Wigan names new regeneration director

Karl Battersby has been appointed as director of economy and regeneration at Wigan Council, joining from Rotherham Council at the end of this year.

The role will see Battersby overseeing the growth of the borough’s economy in the coming decade.

He has worked in local government for over 20 years, and was strategic director at Rotherham Council. He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Wigan Council. Wigan Borough is a place that’s clearly doing great things.

“Everyone I have met at the council has been passionate about what they do. I am really pleased to be joining such a great team.”

He said Wigan had gained a reputation regionally and nationally for playing a leading role in the Greater Manchester devolution deal and the area had huge potential for growth.

He said his number one task was delivering Wigan Council’s new Economic Prospectus, launched at the recent Wigan Business Expo, which sets out how the borough will create 10,000 jobs, 12,000 apprentices and enable 10,000 new homes to be built over the coming decade.

Battersby added:  “It’s great to be joining a council with such a clear vision and a real ethos to deliver improvements for the local area.”

He began his career at Exeter City Council as a planning enforcement officer before moving to Doncaster Council, Wakefield Council and Blackpool Council where he held various planning roles.

Since 2003, Battersby has worked at Rotherham Council and in 2007 became strategic director for environment and development services.

Donna Hall, chief executive, said: “We are extremely pleased that Karl has joined Wigan Council.

“He has been involved in successfully delivering large regeneration projects and bringing business to Rotherham.

“We are sure this experience will be highly valuable here as we look to grow the borough’s economy in the years ahead.”

Battersby will take over from interim director Charles Green who has been in place Steve Normington retired earlier in the year.