Tim steps up at Leeds Chamber Property Forum

Leeds Chamber Property Forum has welcomed the appointment of Tim Waring, director at national planning and property consultancy Quod, as its new chair. Leeds Chamber’s Property Forum is a special interest group within the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.  It brings together private sector representation with the aim of contributing positively and effectively to the future growth and development of Leeds. Tim takes over from Jeff Pearey, Lead Director – Yorkshire & North East at international property company JLL. The Property Forum has been instrumental in setting out Chamber views on matters such as planning, transport investment, housing, Leeds Waterfront and public realm. The Forum was highly vocal about the need to invest in Leeds Rail Station in order to provide a gateway that the UK’s third largest city can be proud of. The Forum also made the case for a single station to accommodate HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail into the existing station footprint, an area that is seeing significant progress. On his appointment, Tim said: “I have been set a high bar by Jeff, and am hopeful that I can continue his good work. The role of the private sector is essential if we are to collectively deliver the inclusive and sustainable growth to meet the needs of current and future generations in the city.” “It is important that we have a planning system that is responsive to changing economic trends and delivers the development and infrastructure needs of the city.  It is key that a wide range of homes, employment space and infrastructure are delivered in the right place, with the best level of connectivity, so that business can attract, recruit and retain from the widest available labour market. I am looking forward to working with stakeholders across the city region and beyond to continue driving Leeds forward.” The announcement was made at the quarterly Leeds Property Forum event, which heard about proposals for Leeds Innovation District from Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust. The audience also heard from the Leeds Business Improvement District and plans for the next five years. Tim announced at the event that Leeds Property Forum will set up a new working group to put forward the business response to support Leeds City Council’s declaration of Climate Emergency and encouraged interested property professionals to get involved by contacting the Chamber’s Leeds office.