Stockport appoints Rubinstein as new regeneration boss

Stockport Council has appointed Paul Rubinstein as its new service director for regeneration within its newly formed communities, regeneration and environment directorate.

Rubinstein, who is currently the director of policy, strategy and communications at Newcastle City Council, will take up his new post on 12 April this year.

Speaking about his appointment, he said: "I'm very much looking forward to working with my new colleagues and partners to continue to deliver excellent services and actively promote regeneration in the borough.

"I'm passionate about the role regeneration can play in the shaping of a place and I'm committed to bringing my varied experience and expertise to benefit Stockport."

Rubinstein will lead the newly formed regeneration department at Stockport Council with responsibilities including housing, attracting major developments to the borough, business development, economic regeneration, conservation and town centre regeneration and management.

The department also includes a customer focused planning service with planning policy and development management responsibilities. It will have a strong focus on the delivery of new homes in the right locations and with the right levels of affordability.

Rubinstein started his local government career 20 years ago as the arts director for Durham City Council. In 1997, he moved to Northern Arts as assistant chief executive where he was responsible for overseeing large scale lottery investment in the North East, resulting in landmark projects such as the Sage Gateshead.

He later moved to Newcastle City Council in 2000 where he was appointed as head of culture and then promoted to assistant chief executive in 2005. Rubinstein played a leading role in transforming Newcastle's cultural regeneration and in key economic projects such as Newcastle Science City.

Rubinstein is replacing Norman Hudson as service director following his retirement.