HGB and delivery – what is the role of HGB in supporting development and delivery during Hertfordshire’s long-term recovery?
‘Hertfordshire Growth Board is key to unlocking effective public-private partnerships and driving long-term economic growth’, delegates heard in the last webinar in Hertfordshire Growth Board’s successful series, which took place on Thursday 10 September.
Delegates from across local and central government and business attended this special hour-long event hosted by The Voice of Authority (TVoA) and sponsored by leading UK construction and regeneration group Morgan Sindall Construction, based in Welwyn Garden City.
The panel of experts set out why regeneration and sustainable development are so essential to Hertfordshire’s long term economic recovery.in an extended Q&A session.
Hertfordshire Growth Board comprises Hertfordshire County Council, the county’s 10 district and borough councils and Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership. Its 12 members have all signed a Memorandum of Understanding, signalling Hertfordshire’s commitment to collaborative working and getting things done.
Cllr Sharon Taylor OBE, Leader, Stevenage Borough Council, demonstrated the exciting regeneration work already underway in and around the town centre, and the importance of collaboration:
‘Working with our Hertfordshire Growth Board partners is essential to deliver the infrastructure and much needed affordable housing for our residents, businesses and communities. We couldn’t achieve this without partnership working.’
Sharon’s ‘passion for Stevenage was helping to drive the project forwards’ she said, a view echoed by Adrian Hawkins, Chair, Stevenage Development Board:
‘I was born in my parents’ council house in Stevenage and grew my business which now trades in the multi-millions… Key to this particular plan are the thoughts of the people… Social mobility is very dear to my heart.’
Setting out her vision for East Herts and the new Harlow and Gilston Garden Town, Cllr Linda Haysey, Leader, East Herts District Council, said quality, not just quantity, is vital if Hertfordshire is to deliver good sustainable housing for its future residents:
‘We know where we need to go and what we need to do to build beautiful, better homes over the next 10 years that will last for many years to come.’
From East to West, council leaders and chief executives from across the county unveiled just some of the exciting initiatives taking place that will help to accelerate growth and economic recovery.
Sally Marshall, CEO, Dacorum Borough Council, said Hertfordshire’s Enterprise Zone, Herts IQ, was a ‘prime example of collaboration in action’ and is linked to the broader initiatives such as accelerating housing delivery via modern methods of construction.
While over in Watford, Mayor Peter Taylor, Leader, Watford Borough Council, reinforced the stewardship role of the Growth Board to curate good local growth and community wealth building:
‘The advantage of the Growth Board is that you can look at these things in the round, and you can better deliver for the well-being of your communities.’
The impact of collaboration can be profound. David Rowsell, Area Director, Northern Home Counties, Morgan Sindall Construction, said: ‘Hertfordshire Growth Board is key to unlocking effective public-private partnerships and driving long-term economic growth.’
The webinar recording can be viewed here. Visit our News and Events section for previous webinars and to keep up to date with our progress.
With thanks to The Voice of Authority and Morgan Sindall Construction
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