WIRRAL Council is having to find its fifth regeneration boss in two years at a crucial time for the local authority. The local authority is hoping to build at least 14,000 homes over the next two decades with major plans still waiting for government approval.

The local authority appointed Marc Cole in an interim position as its new director of regeneration in April 2024 following the departure of David Hughes who had been in the post since January 2023. Before Mr Hughes, Sally Shah had taken on the role temporarily following the departure of Alan Evans in July 2022.

Mr Cole has worked for many councils over his career including at St Helens, North East Lincolnshire, and Aberdeen. According to Mr Cole’s LinkedIn, he has held seven interim roles at different councils and authorities with tenures ranging from three months to two years and five months since May 2018.

Wirral Council said in March 2024 its previous regeneration director Mr Hughes was stepping down as he planned to retire. Following this announcement, he became the interim director of regeneration and assets at Tower Hamlets council in April 2024.

The departure of Mr Cole comes at a critical time for the local authority as its draft Local Plan is in the final stages of development. The policy promises to build thousands of homes on brownfield areas like the docks in Birkenhead as well as former industrial land on the banks of the Mersey and awaits a government decision.

This currently avoids building on the green belt, a key issue on the Wirral particularly in the west. However brownfield developments are likely to need millions of pounds in government grants in order to become viable because brownfield developments can be far more expensive due to past industrial uses, contamination, or construction.

A spokesperson for Wirral Council said: “Wirral’s multimillion pound regeneration programme is moving forward at significant pace, with a team of officers bringing a considerable amount of expertise to delivering numerous projects which are moving forward simultaneously across Birkenhead, New Ferry, Liscard and Wirral Waters with more due to start soon.

“So at this incredibly exciting time we are sad to see our Interim Director of Regeneration and Place, Marc Cole, unable to continue with us and we wish him the best for his health and future endeavours.

“In the meantime, work across the borough will not let up the tempo and momentum of delivery of the projects stretching around the borough continues. Building on the strength and depth of knowledge and experience across the council’s regeneration department we look forward to delivering on our pro-growth regeneration agenda for the people of Wirral.”

Mr Cole was approached for comment.