Richards to head Edgar Street Grid Ltd

Local Businessman and farmer, Clive Richards, has been appointed chairman of the Edgar Street Grid (Hereford) Ltd. His task will be to ensure that the plans for the area go ahead.

Below is part of a press release issued by the Herefordshire Council last Monday:

The ambitious multi-million pound plan to transform the heart of Hereford into a 21st century city centre is to be driven forward by county entrepreneur, farmer and philanthropist, Clive Richards OBE.

Mr Richards, with his City of London background, has a wealth of experience in a large variety of running different enterprises from start-ups to mature businesses has agreed to become the Chair of the Board of Edgar Street Grid (Hereford) Ltd, the venture company set up to steer through the project.

The Edgar Street masterplan - a ten-year-vision for Hereford City - includes a new flagship library, cultural, commercial and residential developments, re-instating the canal and canal basin and a new link road to relieve traffic from the inner road.

The partnership of Herefordshire Council and Advantage West Midlands has enabled this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be grasped.

"I'm delighted to be able to play a part in the scheme which will transform the heart of Hereford into a modern city centre but still retain its historic monuments such as the Coningsby Hospital/Museum and the Franciscan Blackfriars Monastery ruins," said Mr Richards, who lives at Ullingswick.

"There's lots to do and we're still at the very early stages of the project, but, if we can maintain the kind of momentum which has built up around this project in recent years, I'm convinced our children, and our children's children will look back in years to come with a sense of pride at the visionary and daring approach being adopted for this project," he added.

Richards has also spoken to the Hereford Times. He confirmed he would be meeting with the Richardson Brothers, who own the leases at Edgar Street, over what part the club can play.

"Hereford United should stay put. The giant killer club is an integral part of the city," he said.

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