A council director who has become a popular figure in business circles for spearheading Birmingham city centre regeneration has been put in charge of economy at the authority.

Waheed Nazir, Birmingham City Council’s director of planning and regeneration, has been appointed as acting strategic director for economy.

In his new role, as well as leading on the delivery of planning and regeneration, transportation, skills and employment for a 12-month period, starting with immediate effect.

Mr Nazir has been responsible for the Big City Plan in recent years, and has been the driving force behind schemes like the Birmingham Curzon HS2 Masterplan, Snow Hill Masterplan, metro extension and Birmingham Smithfield development at the old Wholesale Markets.

In his new role, he will become a member of the corporate leadership team developing strategy for the authority.

Birmingham HS2 Curzon Masterplan

He said he was committed to “directing transformational change” across the city.

He said: “With responsibility for planning, regeneration, housing, skills and transportation, I am excited by the prospect of bringing these key interconnected priorities together, as it is only by building sufficient homes, creating a skilled workforce and delivering an effective transport system, supported by a clear vision for the future, that we will maximise opportunities for the city and the wider region to drive forward economic growth.

“I am also looking forward to working at the most senior level in the city council and making my contribution to the corporate improvement and change priorities. Similarly, it will be exciting to continue the work with all our partners and the people of Birmingham to build on our recent successes.”

Mr Nazir has worked at the city council for over 15 years in various economic development roles.

He has risen to prominence as director of planning and regeneration over a time of great progress in the city centre.

Snow Hill Masterplan

Through the Birmingham Development Plan, he has contributed to boosting regeneration by making the most of transport investment, like HS2 and the Midland Metro extension.

He has also played a part in funding successes like the enterprise zone, alongside Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, including the recent expansion which will deliver a near £1 billion boost to city coffers.

Birmingham City Council leader John Clancy said: “Waheed has a huge amount of experience and has been central in driving through the regeneration of Birmingham. I have already said that this not just about the city centre but about regenerating all 40 wards, improving people’s skills and access to employment, transport and good quality housing. Building more houses more quickly is my priority and I will be working closely with Waheed and his team as we continue to ensure Birmingham is leading the way in this area while at the same time encouraging businesses to invest here and make the city an attractive place to live, work and visit.”

Birmingham Smithfield regeneration scheme

Chief executive Mark Rogers said: “Waheed has a wealth of experience in driving forward economic growth and has been instrumental in shaping new and exciting approaches to regeneration across the city; he will be a valued member of our new leadership team.”