Michelle Percy leaves Newcastle City Council
While the council seeks a new director of investment and growth, the service areas that reported into the department are temporarily under the control of deputy chief executive Matt Wilton, with the exception of Transport, which is reporting to director of city operations, neighbourhoods and regulatory services, Christine Herriot.
These are interim measures and there is no timeline for a final decision on structures and responsibilities within the council.
During her almost nine years at the council, Percy was instrumental in fostering private-public partnerships and working on projects such as Forths Yard, Pilgrim Street, and securing funding for the Tyne Bridge restoration.
Prior to her time at Newcastle City Council, she was managing director at developer Clouston Group, and worked on key developments such as Stephenson Quarter.
Her resignation follows a turbulent time at the council. In June, Percy took a period of leave from the council, after the transport division that reported in to her was referred to the police amid a fraud investigation, with some staff within that portfolio now being investigated.
Percy is not part of that investigation.
Last year, she also made a bullying complaint against former leader Nick Kemp, who denies the allegation. He resigned shortly after and an investigation is still ongoing.
Percy said: “I am incredibly proud of what my teams, Newcastle City Council and I have achieved in my time as the city’s director of investment and growth.
“My role has been front facing, working alongside businesses, building trust, confidence and creating a sustainable, stable platform for them to invest and grow.
“Over the past nine years we have delivered, with partner organisations, on regeneration schemes such as Forth Yards, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle Helix and numerous other projects, with a development pipeline of almost £7bn.
“I am also delighted we finally secured the funding to fully restore the iconic Tyne Bridge, and it will be a proud moment to see it back to its former glory in time for the centenary celebrations in 2028.
“Through the incredibly difficult times, most notably the Covid pandemic, the council has shown great leadership and I am proud to have been very much part of it.
“Newcastle is my city, one I love, and it has been a privilege to lead such a talented and dedicated team of professionals, working collaboratively across the council and with our partners to deliver real and lasting impact for the city and the wider region.
“While the time is right for me to leave the council, I remain passionate about economic growth, place leadership and fostering public-private partnerships.
“I want to thank all those who I have worked alongside – their expertise, energy and commitment have been central to ensuring Newcastle is a dynamic and inclusive place to live, work and invest.
“This marks the end of one chapter and I am excited for whatever comes next. I will continue to champion the city, the North East and support transformational growth.”
Council chief executive Pam Smith said: “We want to thank Michelle for all her hard work during her time as director and we wish her all the best in the future.
“During her time at the council, we have driven forward ambitious plans to deliver investment in Newcastle and overseen the completion of a number of strategically significant schemes.
“Michelle has helped to build the infrastructure that will see these projects thrive, and hugely talented and passionate officers remain in place to continue to deliver for the people of Newcastle.”
‘Newcastle City Council has today confirmed that they have reached a mutual agreement for its Director of Investment and Growth, Michelle Percy, to leave the authority.’ We can all read between the lines…
By Anonymous