VISION - Developer's Vision for TamesideKen
Knott Every place should have a strong diverse economy, a pride in the community and educational attainment. It’s important that we see a holistic approach – right across the Borough. This is a time of immense opportunity for Tameside. The opening of the M60 could make Tameside a regional centre of international importance. East Manchester is set to flourish. Now is Tameside’s moment. Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council must do everything it can to attract private sector monies and in order to do this the council must think big. Great examples of regeneration include Hulme, Barbirolli Square and Deansgate Locks. These are all deamed hugely successful – but what is the test to determine real success? In my opinion it is more that just the physical. Equal weight has to be put on the social issues. With this in mind Hulme comes top of the list for successful regeneration, because of the way it has successfully socially integrated the society. Salford Quays on the other hand has failed miserably in interacting with the local community – yet it is considered successful. The ideal mix is to deliver enduring regeneration but first it needs a public/private/community constitution. Funding should be pump prime through private investment. It is also vital that the vision whatever that may be is converted into a deliverable framework and we need joined up thinking right across the Borough. If you have a vision – bring it to life – don’t keep it to yourself. Market it in a blaze of glory and create an unstoppable momentum. Demonstrate to the market your total proposition and have an over-arching marketing platform to change perception. After all perception is reality. This new website, the new Tameside, is really exciting and TMBC and their partners must ensure they do not miss the moment. It’s their moment. Profile Formerly a Director of AMEC Developments where for over a decade he led a team responsible for securing major strategic projects for Northern England, the Midlands and Scotland with a projected density of over 4 million sq ft and a projected end value of £600 million. With Andrew Dodd and Simon Bate, Ken set up ASK Property Developments Limited in January 2000. In February 2001, the company merged with Manchester Regeneration specialists Westport Developments. Currently the company is engaged in an exciting mixed use portfolio of projects with a development density in excess of 3 million sq ft with a projected end value of over £500 million.
ASK have recently acquired new offices at Deansgate Quay and will imminently commence construction speculatively on their first project – a £150,000 sq ft mixed residential and office building on Quay Street adjoining Granadas TV in joint venture with Crosby.
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