Richards to leave Stockport to lead £11bn Birmingham East MDC

Prime Minister Andy Burnham once described Stockport as “a genuine trailblazer for the mayoral development corporation model.” Now, the man who established and led the MDC is turning his attention to the Midlands, with ambitions to build 20,000 homes and create 50,000 jobs on a mammoth 1,040-acre area.

Paul Richards was the first chief executive of Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation and ran the organisation for five years until 2024, when he became deputy chief executive of the Stockport Council. He remained as a strategic advisor to the MDC as Catherine Chilvers took the reins as managing director.

Since its establishment in 2019, the MDC has driven the building of 1,200 homes, with planning in place for another 1,500. It has accelerated the delivery of 170,000 sq ft of offices at Stockport Exchange as well as the Stockport Interchange. The MDC has also overseen £600m brought into the borough through private investment, according to its own figures.

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As chief officer of the £11bn Birmingham East Mayoral Development Corporation, Richards will be in charge of an area that is nearly triple the size of Stockport MDC’s remit. He will work alongside Birmingham East MDC chair Dame Bernadette Kelly on the scheme.

Birmingham East MDC’s borders include a series of ambitious regeneration projects, such as the £3bn Birmingham Sports Quarter and the 60,000-seat Powerhouse Stadium, the £4bn Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, the £2bn Smithfield development, and the future HS2 Curzon Street Station.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker described the Birmingham East MDC as “big, bold, and ambitious.”

He said: “It will be a magnet for investment, offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to end the deep-rooted deprivation that has blighted lives in East Birmingham for far too long.

“A project of this magnitude needs leaders of the highest calibre, who can harness the powers it will bring to cut through red tape and provide the stability needed for investor confidence.”

Parker described Richards as having a “specialist understanding and proven track record for leading one of the first-ever mayoral development corporations,” adding that with Richards and Barker on board the West Midlands Combined Authority was “ready to take East Birmingham from strength to strength.”

Regarding his appointment, Richards said: “I believe that working alongside colleagues at Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Combined Authority, we can deliver something that the residents and businesses in the city can be proud of.”

Richards also spoke about his time at Stockport Council, which he joined in 2016.

“It has been a privilege to serve Stockport and work alongside colleagues, elected members, partners and communities across the borough,” Richards said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and of the positive change taking place across Stockport.

“Everything that has been delivered has been the result of strong partnerships, ambitious leadership and a shared commitment to creating opportunities for residents and businesses.

“There is still much more to come, and I leave knowing Stockport has talented people, strong partnerships and a clear vision for the future.”

Stockport chief executive Michael Cullen wished Richards well in his new role.

“I’d like to congratulate Paul on his appointment and thank him for everything he has contributed to Stockport,” Cullen said.

“He has played a pivotal role in many of the borough’s most significant regeneration and growth projects, working closely with colleagues, partners and communities to help deliver lasting change. Paul’s appointment is a reflection of his leadership, expertise and commitment, and I wish him every success in this next chapter.”

Stockport Council Leader Cllr Mark Roberts echoed Cullen’s remarks.

“The transformation seen across the borough in recent years has attracted national attention, and Paul has played a very important role in that progress alongside colleagues, partners and communities,” Roberts said.

“His appointment reflects both his leadership and the growing profile of the work taking place in Stockport. While we will be sorry to see him leave, our ambitions remain unchanged. Major projects continue to move forward, and we remain focused on delivering for residents, businesses and visitors.”

Richards’ last day at Stockport Council will be 21 November.