Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company has announced that the Leader of Manchester City Council, Sir Richard Leese, is to join its Board.

Chairman of Central Salford URC Felicity Goodey said: "The Board of Central Salford has made no secret of the fact that the future of the area is closely linked to the continuing development of Manchester as a great European City.

"The cities of Salford and Manchester enjoy a unique relationship which will be significantly enhanced by Sir Richard joining our Board."

She added: "Central Salford has an ambitious development programme which is already delivering what will become the largest media city in the world.

"The BBC is an important first step. We have major redevelopment deals to transform Greengate, Central Station, Chapel Street and the Crescent among other areas.

"Working with our many partners, the URC is already delivering on the Vision of creating a beautiful, vibrant and prosperous area to benefit everyone in the community."

John Merry, Leader of Salford City Council said:  "The two cities have much to offer one another and we have been working together for some time. The river which divides us is already the subject of a joint development programme to create a European style urban city park.  Sir Richard is a very welcome new member of the URC Board."

Sir Richard Leese said: "Manchester is acknowledged as driving the economy of the region.  The original City needs to grow and an obvious area for new development is on the Salford side of the river.

"The URC has an ambitious business plan which will not only benefit local people but make a major contribution to the overall economy of the region.  I look forward to helping deliver this expansion of the Regional Capital."

Central Salford URC is also pleased to announce that the Rt Rev Stephen Lowe, the Church of England’s Bishop for Urban Life and Faith and a nationally recognised authority on inner city regeneration is to become a special adviser to the URC.

Chairman Felicity Goodey said:  "Urban regeneration must be first and foremost about transforming the opportunities and life chances of local people.  Few know more about how best to ensure that new development opportunities translate into real benefit for local people in areas like Central Salford than Bishop Stephen. 

"We are delighted he has agreed to join us as a special adviser and look forward to learning from his experience."

Stephen Lowe said: "Salford's regeneration plans are some of the most challenging and exciting in the country. I am delighted to bring both national and local experience to the work of renewing the City."