CREW appoints Deputy Chief Executive

The Centre For Regeneration Excellence Wales has appointed a Deputy Chief Executive to support Professor Dave Adamson, the organisation’s Chief Executive in the development of its research, education and training programmes.

Andrew Dakin has 34 years experience in the public and private sectors and has undertaken a wide variety of regeneration projects in many towns and cities throughout Wales and the south west of England. Latterly Andrew has occupied the position of Director of Regeneration at the Urban Regeneration Company in Newport. In addition Andrew has been a member of staff at the Department of City and Regional Planning at Cardiff University since 2005 where he teaches urban regeneration. Andrew has also been a member of the Board of the Valleys based Cynon Taff Community Housing Association for the last 17 years.

Andrew said: “It’s been great to have been part of the successful regeneration of Newport over the last four years, but the opportunity to join Dave Adamson to help to set CREW up and develop its research and teaching programmes is one I couldn’t resist. I come from a Welsh family which has had a strong history in education, so to take on this role now after all I have done previously in my career is a natural and exciting step”.

Dave Adamson added: “Andrew’s extensive experience in leading the delivery of large scale physical regeneration projects plus his qualifications as a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) and a Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI) together with his teaching experience will provide CREW with a vital resource in the delivery of the remit we have from Welsh Assembly Government.”

Professor Chris Webster, Head of Cardiff University School of City and Regional Planning said: “Andrew is one of those special people who operate at the top of their professional game but can also communicate well with students. He is a popular lecturer and I am delighted that Cardiff University now has an even closer link to CREW, with the opportunities that will afford for mutual learning, research and dissemination, student project work and engagement with the communities of Wales.”

Gareth Beer, Chief Executive of Newport Unlimited commented: “I’m personally very sorry to be losing Andrew from the URC as he has made a very important contribution to the operation of the company. He leaves us with our grateful thanks for all he has done for the City of Newport over the last four years.”

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

The Centre For Regeneration Excellence in Wales (CREW) has been established to promote integrated regeneration throughout Wales by sharing experience, good practice and regeneration skills across all the professions that contribute to the regeneration process.
CREW aims to connect people and places, and to develop techniques and practices that will assist all those in Wales who are involved in the regeneration process including the following activities:
• Training, Education and skills
• Rigorous Research
• Information and dissemination
• Exchange of experience and excellence

For further information visit CREW’s website: www.regenwales.org.uk

Media Enquiries to Edwina O’Hart, PR Officer, Community Housing Cymru, Edwina-ohart@chcymru.org.uk or 02920557414