Council appoints regeneration chief for Brighton and Hove

His role will include leading the council’s 2030 vision for the city and to oversee the Greater Brighton City Region Economic Strategy.

Mr Woodford will be responsible for delivering the city’s £2 billion and the city region’s £1.6 billion investment programmes, and will lead on key projects such as the Brighton Waterfront and Preston Barracks development as well as establishing a joint venture to develop 1,000 living wage homes.

The town planner will be returning to the city council after three years away, having previously worked for the authority since 1999 in both the planning and the major projects teams. His new role sits within the council’s 'economy, environment and culture' department, under executive director Nick Hibberd.

Mr Woodford currently heads up regeneration and investment at Lewes and Eastbourne councils where he has led on the redevelopment of the North Street Quarter in Lewes and established the Newhaven Enterprise Zone. He also oversees economic growth for both councils and has been managing the planning policy function for Lewes District. His new role with Brighton and Hove City Council will start in August 2017.

The council’s executive director for economy, environment and culture Nick Hibberd, said: “Brighton and Hove is an economic growth centre with a global reputation and I’m delighted that someone of Max’s calibre is joining the team. Max has a wealth of hands on experience as well as great local knowledge and connections so his expertise will be a great asset in helping us progress and shape our future plans.”

Mr Woodford said: "I'm very happy to be re-joining Brighton and Hove City Council where I’ll be working with a highly talented, forward thinking team. This role offers a real opportunity for me to make a positive contribution to the future prospects of a city that I know from first-hand experience to be a vibrant and inspiring place.”