WNC poaches Birmingham regeneration head David Harris

West Northamptonshire Council has brought in Birmingham regeneration head David Harris as director for place, economy and environment.

Chartered surveyor and registered valuer Harris has been with Birmingham City Council since 2023, and currently has responsibility for delivering major regeneration and housing projects such as the Smithfield and Paradise, having previously worked in similar roles with Stoke-on-Trent and Sandwell councils.

He will take over from retiring Stuart Timmiss in October.

“I’m very pleased and excited to be joining WNC and taking on such a role with so much potential, opportunity and challenge,” he said.

“WNC’s firm focus on delivering key place transformation programmes and service improvements very much attracted me to West Northants and I am really looking forward to making a start on delivering better outcomes for communities.”

In his new role, Harris will oversee a number of high profile projects, including Northampton town centre’s wider 15-year regeneration masterplan, and the 25-acre ECF-led Greyfriars development currently under way.

Martin Henry, chief executive at West Northamptonshire Council, added: “I am delighted to welcome David to our council, his expertise and leadership in regeneration, property, housing and major programme delivery will be invaluable as we deliver upon our ambition to make West Northamptonshire a thriving place to live work and visit.

“David’s passion for place-making and his enthusiasm for joining our organisation were evident throughout the recruitment process and I look forward to working closely with him.”