New borough council chief executive named

Melbourne Barrett was chosen following a two-day selection process to find a replacement for Tony Curtis, who retired at the end of November after seven years in the role.
The appointment was approved at the full council’s meeting on December 11.
Mr Barrett is currently the executive director of housing and regeneration at the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham with responsibility for a £1bn residential property portfolio, taking the lead on major regeneration projects, including a recently announced 15-year housing and regeneration partnership with a private sector company and the £8bn redevelopment of Earls Court.
Formerly a director of the London Development Agency and chief executive of Docklands East London Agency Ltd, he has also worked at Oxford City Council where he led the redevelopment of Oxford’s Westgate Shopping Centre.
A member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a graduate of the City University Business School MBA programme, the 50-year-old father of two is set to join the borough council in the spring.
He will then oversee plans for almost £500m in public and private investment in the borough, including the redevelopment of the 65-acre business district Basing View, Basing-stoke, including new office, retail and residential space, and proposals for a council-led development of 8,000 new homes at Manydown, a 2,000-acre site west of Basingstoke.
Council leader Clive Sanders (Con, East Woodhay) said: “Our borough is on the brink of great things with so much happening and moving forward here. This is an exciting appointment as Mel will bring the mix of skills and experience we need to take forward our vision, which includes breathing new life into Basing View business district and planning for new communities at Manydown.
“Mel will be joining a great team that is focused on making a real difference to the lives of our residents, as shown by our high satisfaction levels. I’m sure he will make a major contribution to an even brighter future for our borough.”
Mr Barrett added: “I believe that Basingstoke and Deane is an outstanding place to live and to work.
“I look forward to working with councillors, officers, residents and partners to ensure that the growth that is in prospect is shaped and delivered in ways that are inclusive and benefit local communities.”
Directors Karen Brima-combe and Laura Taylor are the interim joint chief executives.