Chilvers appointed to lead Stockport MDC

Network Space’s Catherine Chilvers has been appointed as the managing director of the town’s mayoral development corporation as the zone under its remit looks set to more than double in size.

Chilvers has spent the last nine years at industrial developer Network Space Developments. She joined the company in 2016 as a senior development manager and was promoted to development director in 2020.

Her move to Stockport sees her return to the public sector; she has previously worked at Homes England, Leeds City Council, and the North West Regional Development Agency.

Chilvers is also no stranger to Stockport, having worked with the MDC on plans for Cheadle Eco Park during her time at NSD.

Chilvers is charged with leading the MDC into its next phase. To date the vehicle has facilitated several large projects in the west of the town centre, including Stockport Interchange, which is complete, and Stockport 8, which is in for planning.

In the coming years, the scope of the MDC will be broadened to encompass 280 acres east of the town centre, which is earmarked for 4,000 homes.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Stockport MDC at such an important moment for the town,” Chilvers said.

“The MDC and its partners have achieved so much in their first five years – with £600m raised in private investment, the team has made huge strides forward in their plans.”

She added: “It’s also an honour to join a team with an ethos that puts meaningfully improving the lives of residents at the heart of its mission. Paul Richards’ leadership as founding Chief Executive has been instrumental in leading this transformation, and part of my role will be to carry this legacy forward.

“There’s still so much more to come – between developing the masterplan for Town Centre East and the healthy pipeline of developments in Town Centre West, the next five years are shaping up to be just as impactful as the first.”

Chilvers’ role is a newly created one and will see her take the Stockport MDC reins from its former chief executive Paul Richards.

Having led the MDC since it was established by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham in 2019, Richards will move into a role as strategic advisor to the MDC board alongside his role as deputy chief executive of Stockport Council.

Chilvers said Richards had been “instrumental” to the success of the MDC to date, while Richards cited Chilvers experience and track record as indicators for future success.

“We are delighted to welcome Catherine Chilvers to the MDC team…she will effectively lead the MDC at a crucial time in Stockport’s regeneration,” Richards said.

“The prospect of expanding the mayoral development area is not only a powerful vote of confidence in the MDC’s success – it represents an opportunity to further accelerate the transformation of Stockport.”

He added: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the last five years – not just in bricks and mortar, but in building a town centre that delivers for Stopfordians. With Catherine at the helm and an even greater ambition ahead, I have no doubt that Stockport’s transformation will be the most impactful in the country.”