INTERVIEWS for a council role key to the regeneration of Blackburn with Darwen are to be held in September.

The search has been launched for a new senior figure who will be tasked with hitting housing and employment targets across the borough.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is currently recruiting for a new director of growth and development following the exit of former post-holder Ian Richardson in March.

According to adverts posted for the role, the successful applicant will be paid between £87,000 and £94,000 per year.

The advert states: “Blackburn with Darwen isn’t focused on its past. The borough is reinventing itself: it has found its mojo and is simply bursting with potential.

“The borough’s population is young and diverse. Blackburn town centre has seen multi-million pound regeneration in recent years and the Cathedral, which is Lancashire’s Cathedral, now stands proudly in a transformed quarter.

“And we will continue to be a driving force within Lancashire’s economy, re-enforcing our position as the number one area in the UK for manufacturing.

“We are currently seeking a director of growth and development to take the lead across a number of key areas.

“Working closely with the LEP, other Lancashire Local Authorities, Growth Lancashire, Homes England, TfN and other partners, you will help us deliver local plan targets for housing and employment, refresh our growth strategy, and support a more commercial approach across the council.

“We are therefore looking for candidates with experience of delivering growth programmes and commercial developments, excellent partnership skills, and a sound understanding of property and transport issues.”

In a letter to applicants, deputy chief executive Denise Park said: “This an exciting role leading on one of the council’s key corporate priorities for delivering good, inclusive growth across the borough."

“Like many councils we have lots of challenges but also have many great opportunities and a clear vision about what needs to be achieved.

“We know there are real opportunities for growth and whilst we have delivered a lot over the last couple of years - this year we were shortlisted for LGC’s Driving Growth Award - there is still much to do with a pipeline of sites already identified.

“We want to increase tax revenues for the council whilst also improving the quality housing and quality jobs offer for our residents where currently we have challenges of low-skilled jobs, not enough quality housing and high levels of economic inactivity.”