Ardent appoints development director

Manchester-based land and engagement consultancy Ardent has appointed Steven Manifold as director of development consultancy, creating a new senior role as the business expands.

Steven is a chartered surveyor with more than 20 years’ experience in the North West property sector, working in consultancy and client-side positions across the public and private sectors. 

He most recently served as major projects manager at Bury Metropolitan Borough Council, leading town centre regeneration and development schemes.

In his new role, Steven will focus on projects across Greater Manchester and the wider North West, broadening Ardent’s service offering in utilities, renewables, transport and regeneration.

Steven said: “I am delighted to be joining Ardent at such an exciting time. 

“There are some truly game changing projects coming forward and with real momentum across the North West.  

“The establishment of further Mayoral Development Corporations in Greater Manchester will help unlock some exciting regeneration in areas such as Bolton, Ashton, Oldham and the widely publicised Old Trafford plans.   

“Ambitious regeneration frameworks are also being adopted, such as the collaborative cross-border approach between Salford and Manchester in the Strangeways and Cambridge areas. 

“Lancashire too has an ambitious growth plan in place and this can only assist in bringing further investment and opportunity to the region.

“These plans, along with major infrastructure projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail, will deliver life-changing outcomes for the communities which they serve.

“Making a difference to these communities is the reason why I am so excited to take on this role.

“My experience and skill set are very much complementary to the great work Ardent are already undertaking in the region and across the UK. 

“I look forward to working with new and existing Ardent clients.”.

Steven’s appointment strengthens Ardent’s development capability as it continues to support large-scale infrastructure and community projects across the region.

John Sayer, head of regeneration and development at Ardent, added: “We are pleased to welcome someone with such a significant amount of experience as Steven to Ardent and to this strategically vital new position.

“The way in which his role will help us meet our wider growth and transformation plans cannot be understated and he will be a key component in our team’s work, particularly in the North West.”

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