Sir Iain Gray, a former chief executive of Airbus, has been appointed as the first chair of the West of England Mayoral Development Zone, a region targeted for growth that could deliver up to 40,000 new homes and 40,000 new jobs over the coming decades.
Gray, who also led Innovate UK for seven years, will provide leadership for major regeneration plans at Brabazon and across the West Innovation Arc, a fast-growing economic corridor spanning North Bristol and South Gloucestershire that hosts major employers including Rolls-Royce and Airbus.
Strategic oversight role
According to the West of England Combined Authority (Weca), the development zone has the potential to contribute up to £20bn to the national economy. As chair, Gray will provide strategic oversight, working with partners to turn ambition into delivery and drive progress on a programme shaping the region's future.
Angela Rayner, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, welcomed the appointment, saying his expertise would help "drive forward the regeneration of Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc" and unlock thousands of new homes, jobs, and investment.
Brabazon regeneration plans
At Brabazon, brownfield land is being transformed into a new community, with work under way towards 6,500 new homes, a 15-acre park, the 20,000-capacity Aviva Arena, three schools, and transport links including the first of two new railway stations, set to open later this autumn.
Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc is currently shortlisted by government to be part of the next generation of new towns.
Gray, who began his career as an engineer at BAE Systems in Filton, said he had spent "much of my professional life" working within what is now the mayoral development zone. He described the zone as "a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver sustainable growth," adding that his previous roles gave him a deep understanding of the area's potential and the transport, housing, and infrastructure needed to unlock it.
Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, said Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc had "enormous potential," already recognised by government, and stressed the need to continue working together to champion its future development, including transport links to support new homes and jobs.
