£1.5bn man

May 9 2008 by Barry Ellams, Chester Chronicle

CHESTER has picked its Renaissance man to preside over a £1.5bn investment to shape the city’s future.

Former MBNA chief executive Shane Flynn is the new chairman of Chester Renaissance – the body which pulls together public and private investors in the city.

He is respected as a no-nonsense corporate heavyweight who will cut through red tape to turn around what some regard as an under-performing Chester.

Mr Flynn‘s appointment came the same day that Tory Councillor Mike Jones was declared the leader elect of incoming Cheshire West and Chester Council which will be based in Chester.

Leading 55 Conservative councillors Cllr Jones has been handed a huge mandate to grab an historic opportunity and re-build the city’s fortunes.

Standing in the shadow of the £80m HQ gateway, due to complete in June 2009, Mr Flynn said: “It’s a Eureka moment for Chester, a defining moment for the city in the broader context. It’s a very exciting and optimistic time for Chester Renaissance and for the new authority.