Professor John Brooks appointed new chair of Corridor Manchester

Regeneration quango Corridor Manchester has appointed Professor John Brooks, vice chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) as its new chair.

Brooks said: “The partnership has a very important role to play in the future of the Oxford Road area of the city and I look forward to helping deliver the vision to 2020.

“My appointment is, however, touched with sadness following the death of Professor Alan Gilbert who chaired Corridor Manchester from its start. His strong leadership and commitment to Corridor Manchester has provided me and the board with clear direction for the future of Corridor Manchester. Alan was a close colleague and he will be sadly missed by me and all who worked with him.”

Corridor Manchester brings together The University of Manchester, Manchester City Council, MMU and the Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to drive economic growth along the Oxford Road area of the City.

Jackie Potter, Chief Executive, Corridor Manchester said: “John is an excellent choice as chair for Corridor Manchester, his determination and experience will help us continue to deliver our strategic vision.”

Brooks has played a crucial role in the capital investment programme for MMU which sees a new Business School currently being built at All Saints opening in 2012, a new arts school which will also open in 2012, and the development of £120m Community Campus at Birley Fields.