Chris Gilmartin appointed chairman of RDA

Rochdale Development Agency

Chris Gilmartin, the managing director of Heywood-based Gilwood Fabricators Co Ltd, has been appointed chairman of Rochdale Development Agency (RDA).

Joining Mr Gilmartin on the board as one of the council’s representatives is Councillor John Blundell, the Council cabinet member for regeneration, .

Mr Gilmartin, said: “We have got a broad mix of skills across the board, with successful entrepreneurs from the world of finance, insurance and manufacturing, as well as the vital public sector representation, which puts us in a uniquely strong position to attract millions of pounds of investment into the borough year-on-year.

“I am delighted to welcome Councillor Blundell to the board for the first time. Over the next 12 months, among other things, we will be creating new speculative builds on Kingsway to cater for smaller companies and we will be working with the council as it plans its next £150million investment programme for Rochdale town centre. As cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Blundell is well placed to help keep this fantastic momentum going for the benefit of our borough.”

Councillor Blundell said: “I would like to congratulate Chris on his appointment and am confident we can achieve even more over the 12 months.”