AECOM has appointed Stephen Gleave as the regional cities lead for Manchester. In a broad role, with a focus on developing and executing growth strategies, Gleave will be responsible for planning and managing a variety of initiatives throughout the city region.

Working closely with teams across AECOM’s design and consulting services, Gleave will ensure AECOM continues to build a strong presence across Greater Manchester and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and decision makers across the public and private sector development as well as investment clients. 

Prior to his new appointment with AECOM, Gleave most recently worked as an independent consultant with Turley on various initiatives, including their ‘Shaping Better Places’ agenda which looked at how planners engaged with design. He has actively been involved in delivering a number of projects within the region, including the strategic regeneration framework for Wigan Council. Working with Deloitte, he played a key role in advising on the Mayoral Development Corporation in Greater Manchester for Stockport, which will provide an additional 3,500 homes in the town centre.

Having led multidisciplinary practice, Taylor Young for over 15 years, Gleave is an urban designer and town planner with a deep understanding of Manchester, the north west and the national agenda. He brings a comprehensive understanding of how places are shaped through infrastructure, built form, economics, politics and the communities they serve.

Andy Barker, UK managing director, environment and ground engineering with an additional responsibility for offices across the north west, at AECOM, said: “This new appointment is central to the commitment AECOM is making to invest the right infrastructure and develop core cities like Manchester whilst taking environmental concerns into account. With over 30 years’ experience living and working in Greater Manchester, Stephen’s extensive knowledge about the region and the issues local communities face will play an important role in creating a better future for generations to come.”

Commenting on his new appointment, Stephen Gleave added: “A common theme during future city debates is often related to coordinating the many strands of city planning. Having the opportunity to directly engage and be part of this transformation whilst making a difference to the city I live in is an exciting opportunity. I look forward to working as part of the AECOM team to enhance the client portfolio and deliver exceptional projects across Manchester.”