Stockport MDC appoints GMCA’s Eamonn Boylan as interim Chair

Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) has appointed the Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Eamonn Boylan, as interim Chair to oversee delivery of its 130-acre regeneration mission.

The appointment follows the recent death of Lord Bob Kerslake, who chaired Stockport MDC from 2020. The MDC was established using the city-region’s devolved powers to support the creation of 4,000 new homes, new transport hub, business district and other public spaces and amenities within the 130-acre Town Centre West area.

Eamonn Boylan, who previously served as Chief Executive of Stockport Council before taking his current post at GMCA six years ago, will building on the legacy of his predecessor at Stockport MDC until a permanent replacement is found. As well as his leadership of the Council at the beginning of the borough’s town centre regeneration programme, he previously worked as Deputy Chief Executive of the Homes and Communities Agency, responsible for all national regeneration programmes.

Eamonn Boylan, Chief Executive of GMCA, said:

“While it is under incredibly sad circumstances that I take up this role, I am honoured to advocate for the MDC and bring my experience to this role to ensure we continue to build on the fantastic foundation Lord Kerslake created for Stockport. I look forward to working with our public and private sector partners to make Stockport one of the most sustainable, liveable and well-connected town centres in the country.”

Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, said:

“On behalf of all of us at Stockport MBC and Stockport MDC, we are extremely grateful for Eamonn Boylan stepping in as interim Chair during this time. His wide-ranging experience and track record in bringing forward major regeneration projects will ensure the realisation of the Town Centre West masterplan, and its transformative impact on Stockport.

“Under Eamonn, the MDC will honour the legacy of Lord Kerslake and continue to deliver against the ambitious vision to create a thriving Stockport, ensuring iconic projects such as Stockport Exchange, Interchange and Weir Mill stay on track, enabling us to deliver a vital new transport hub, business district and new homes to the town. Beyond this, the coming months will be crucial to the shaping the next phase of development in Town Centre West, including the exciting masterplan for Stockport 8.”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:

“Eamonn Boylan will act as a strong ambassador for Stockport MDC, bringing invaluable knowledge and a deep understanding of the town and its community from his previous experience in Stockport. In this role Eamonn will ensure the £500m masterplan for Town Centre West will continue to move forwards.

“Eamonn will serve as a vital bridge between Stockport MDC and the GMCA, enhancing collaboration between the two organisations. I am confident that Eamonn will ensure he and the MDC build on the legacy of the late, great Lord Kerslake.”

Stockport MDC, under the leadership of Lord Kerslake, has garnered strong momentum for its 15 year masterplan, completing on two initial phases including Stockport Exchange, a new Grade A office scheme and public realm enhancements in partnership with Muse Developments, and The Mailbox, which saw the conversion of the former Royal Mail sorting office into 117 new homes and workspace.

Construction for two other cornerstone projects within Town Centre West, include Stockport Interchange a multi million-pound new transport interchange and Weir Mill, a £60 million redevelopment of the town’s industrial mill into a new neighbourhood.

In spring 2023, English Cities Fund (ECF) were chosen as the MDC’s preferred joint venture partner, to bring forward Stockport8, one of the largest development sites within the 130-acre Town Centre West masterplan. This £250 million scheme will transform the eight acre site into a new digitally enabled, green and fully walkable neighbourhood, and deliver over 1,200 new homes, alongside retail, leisure, and office space.