Kendal Futures, the private/public sector regeneration partnership, has appointed Mark Cropper as its new Chair.
Mark, Chairman of James Cropper PLC, was appointed at the partnership’s May meeting. He replaces Martyn Nicholson, Managing Director of Russell Armer Homes, who has retired from the Kendal Futures Board having been Chair since December 2016, and an active member for the last ten and a half years.
Mark Cropper takes the reigns at an exciting time for Kendal Futures. It published the Kendal Vision in March 2020, with funding from several of the town’s major employers, land-owners and private sector businesses, and following an intensive process of engagement with local people. The Vision is a call to embrace change, new ideas and innovation and inspire a vibrant and successful future for the Kendal.
Mark Cropper said: “Kendal Futures is at a critical point in its history. Having commissioned and led the Kendal Vision process in 2019 it must now do everything it can to help our community and town evolve following Covid19 and the dramatic changes and challenges it brings with it”.
“These are unprecedented in our time, but so was the scale and quality of community input into the Vision process. It is now the job of the Kendal Futures Board to assist our community, public and private, to take steps small and large to put us back on our feet and the place truly back on the map.
“Kendal has a huge amount to offer and gain from responsibly led changes, ranging from more affordable housing to better workplace provision and outstanding places to hang out and relax for all ages. I look forward to working with the board, partners and all those interested in making our town a better place.”
The Kendal Futures Board thanked Martyn Nicholson for the huge amount of time, effort and energy he has contributed to their work and the overall development of Kendal.
Kendal Futures is currently seeking additional funding and resources to progress the ideas outlined in the Kendal Vision. There will then be more opportunities for the public and existing groups and organisations to get involved in supporting and developing the ideas further.