New Head of Programmes for HMR Pathfinder

Tony Earnshaw has been appointed as Head of Programmes with the Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder.

Mr Earnshaw joins from Stockport-based SQW Consulting where he was a senior consultant, heading up numerous evaluations of regeneration projects.

The father-of-two who lives in Norden, brings with him a wealth of experience having worked for four years with the Audit Commission as Housing Market Renewal Co-ordinator, where he scrutinised HMR Pathfinders.

Earlier in his career Mr Earnshaw also co-ordinated the Revitalising Inner Rochdale regeneration project for the Rochdale Borough Economic Partnership. He has over 20 years’ experience developing, managing and evaluating complex programmes.

He is looking forward to the new challenges of driving forward the delivery of modern homes that will encourage people to stay in the Housing Market Renewal areas of both Rochdale and Oldham boroughs.

Mr Earnshaw said: “A huge amount has been achieved in the first five years of the 15-year Housing Market Renewal programme, particularly in engaging communities and acquiring land for development. The emphasis has always been on the public funding pump priming sites to attract private investment. In Oldham and Rochdale this is happening with quality modern housing taking shape. The big challenge now is keeping up this momentum during the tough economic climate and continuing to plan for the future and deliver our promises.”

Tony’s new role will see him overseeing renewal strategies for the Pathfinder’s nine intervention areas across both boroughs. New homes are under construction with the first phases of new developments selling in Rochdale at Nelson Place being built by Artisan and at Suthers Court in Werneth by Keepmoat. The Pathfinder was awarded £90 million last year to invest over three years. A robust business plan is in place, which is projected to attract more than £150 million of private sector investment.

An avid supporter of Rochdale Football Club, Mr Earnshaw also enjoys hill walking and rowing and will be running in the Manchester 10k in May to raise money for Cancer Research.