David Allinson, Centre Director at Manchester Arndale, has been appointed as the new chair of CityCo.
Heading up the largest city centre shopping mall in Britain, Allinson brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of Manchester to the role, which will see him drive forward CityCo’s strategy to support the economic growth of Manchester and Salford.
Having held senior roles at Bass, BAA, Manchester Airports Group and Lend Lease, Allinson has significant experience in retail operations and the delivery of major commercial projects. He joined CBRE Management Services Ltd in 2012 as Centre Director for Manchester Arndale, having previously worked for Lend Lease Retail.
In his role at Manchester Arndale, he is responsible for managing a retail destination that attracts over 40 million visitors each year, comprising 1.9 million square feet of retail space, delivering business strategy, managing large multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
Allinson takes over the role from Bruntwood’s Director of Social Impact, Kate Vokes, who had held the position since the end of 2014.
Ciara Keeling, CEO of Bruntwood Works, has also joined the board, with CityCo appointing additional board directors from within the CityCo membership in the coming months.
CityCo works with more than 1000 companies, bringing businesses from all sectors together with public agencies including Manchester City Council, Salford City Council, Greater Manchester Police and Transport for Greater Manchester.
CityCo’s network includes international head offices, SMEs, hotels, banks, property developers, architects, universities, cultural venues and more. Members include NCP, Stagecoach, Manchester Central, Spinningfields, Deloitte, KPMG, Schroders, CBRE, Helical, Property Alliance, NOMA, TCS, U+I,
Manchester Metropolitan University, The Lowry Hotel, Hilton Manchester Deansgate, INNSIDE Melia, HOME, The Royal Exchange, The Bridgewater Hall, Corn Exchange and the Great Northern Warehouse.
CityCo also manages Manchester’s Business Improvement District, a consortium of 400 leading city centre retailers and restaurants.
Members benefit from a range of business support including operational and security services, lobbying, working forums, briefings and training, city intelligence and an annual programme of corporate events. CityCo also offers a suite of meeting and event spaces for hire at its office in Lloyd’s House, overlooking Albert Square’s Town Hall.
David Allinson says: “I am delighted to be appointed as Chair and very much look forward to working with the Board and the CityCo team to build upon the good work already taking place and to develop new exciting initiatives.”
Vaughan Allen, CityCo Chief Executive, adds: “David’s extensive experience and connections will be invaluable in delivering our strategy to make Manchester and Salford better places to invest, work, visit and live.
“David joins us at an exciting time of growth for the company, and we will be looking to recruit a number of new directors in the near future.”
Follow CityCo on LinkedIn and Twitter.
