Karen Hirst, who originally worked for the ill fated Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company (URC) before becoming Salford City Council's Development Director, is leaving to take up the position of board director within the Eric Wright Group's property development arm, Maple Grove.
Karen Hirst was absolutely central to all regeneration development in Salford, from MediaCityUK to Chapel Street to Greengate. Various subsidiaries of the Eric Wright Group have recently won well over £1million of development contracts with Salford Council and the company was, last year, appointed to the Council's `higher value highways and structures framework', which included winning the contract to repaint the Barton Swing Bridge. The company also carried out engineering work on the £1.5million Spinningfields Footbridge.
On announcing her appointment with the Eric Wright Group, Karen Hirst said: "Having worked on many public and private sector schemes over the years, I will be utilising my skills and experience to create opportunities to deliver regeneration projects across all sectors.
"With a strong commitment to placemaking, Maple Grove has a track record of delivering successful schemes across the North West, including most notably Blackburn Cathedral Quarter and our aim is to develop and deliver similar projects in other geographical areas" she added.
Given the debacle surrounding Martin Vickers and his move to Salford Red Devils* shortly after negotiating favourable terms, the Salford Star asked Salford Council whether Karen Hirst was involved in negotiations or in any way related to any of the Eric Wright Group contracts.
Salford Council didn't respond.
*After the Martin Vickers scandal, a Salford Council report stated...
"the Council may have considered some form of binding confidentiality agreement or restriction on future employment if appropriate. A recommendation is made to strengthen the Council's consideration of such matters in future. The City Mayor supports this".
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