Mr Marlow (pictured), formerly the chief executive of the East of England Development Agency, is a development economist whose career has spanned economic development and organisation leadership in both the UK and overseas.
Luton Gateway’s brief is to deliver the sustainable development of Luton and South Bedfordshire within the Milton Keynes South Midlands growth area.
MKSM is one of several growth areas around the country, identified by the government, as being in a prime position to deliver housing and economic growth which will bring major benefits to the local, regional and UK economy.
Within it, Luton and South Bedfordshire has to deliver an additional 26,000 homes and 23,000 jobs by 2021.
Mr Marlow said: “I believe that Luton and South Bedfordshire is fantastic example of where growth and regeneration can work together. Although we face challenging times, I am confident that with a great location, strategic links and potential new development sites, Luton Gateway will be able to make a positive contribution to the UK economy.
“We will build on existing strong partnerships with local authorities, private enterprise and other public agencies to deliver essential infrastructure, economic, social and community development in a co-ordinated way.”
Three private sector non-executive members have also been appointed to join the board; Ian Black, Richard Lacy and Dyllon Parkinson. They will join representatives from Luton, South Bedfordshire and Bedfordshire Councils, University of Bedfordshire, EEDA, Homes and Communities Agency and the Local Strategic Partnerships.
The aims of the organisation include:
- Securing essential key transport improvements and infrastructure for Luton-Dunstable-Houghton Regis conurbation and South Bedfordshire;
- Enabling and driving the delivery of another 26,000 homes to 2021;
- Working to balance this with at least 19,000 jobs by 2021;
- Ensuring timely provision of supporting social, community and green infrastructure to sustain communities for the future;
- Promoting and marketing the area to encourage inward investment and strengthen economic growth.
Funded by the Department of Communities and Local Government the Luton Gateway is a company limited by guarantee. An Interim Board,chaired by Cllr Roy Davis, of Luton Borough Council, was in place,to oversee the recruitment of directors and to establish a small delivery team to focus on key sites and projects agreed by the partners.
Mr Marlow said: “We can now continue to build on their work and ensure that the Luton Gateway brings forward a step change in housing provision and growth that is infrastructure and jobs led and which fully embraces the principles of sustainable communities.”
Cllr Davis said: “These appointments are the next steps in the well established joint working which is delivering growth in this area. A high profile Chair means Luton Gateway can provide additional expertise to drive the growth and regeneration agenda.”
