Departing Isis boss eyes new development vehicle
Mark Ryder, the chief executive of Isis Waterside Regeneration who announced his resignation last week, said he is keen to launch his own development firm to continue his dream of creating more affordable and sustainable places to live.
The developer completed phase one of the high profile 500-unit Islington Wharf residential scheme in Manchester with another two phases now on hold.
A major mixed-use scheme in Northwich, Cheshire, failed to materialise and will be left now to landowner British Waterways to review. Isis is a joint venture between British Waterways, Morley Fund Management's Igloo Regeneration Fund and Muse Developments.
Ryder said: "We reviewed the business over the summer and the shareholders' decision was in favour of retrenchment and streamlining. Several people left the business and I decided it was time to move on too after six years running the business."
The eight redundancies over the summer leave a core team to take forward ongoing schemes including Islington Wharf and two in Leeds, at Granary Wharf and Tower Works.
Ryder said he was open-minded about his future and would use contacts to seek regeneration consultancy work as well as speaking to potential backers about direct development.
He added: "I feel there is still, to some degree, unfinished business with the idea of creating a brand around well designed, sustainable and affordable living spaces in the UK."
Ryder, who was educated in the North West and has family here, said he would be keen to return with new ventures.
