AIDAN Manley reckons he is really lucky to be taking over as regeneration boss at St Helens Council seeing the area is buzzing with great new projects.

Our new Head of Regeneration moves into his post following the recent announcement of a proposed £100 million leisure, casino, hotel and restaurant plus a new rugby stadium.

Aidan, from South Liverpool, joins the council from the North West Development Agency where he was Area Manager for Merseyside for five years and will now work towards improving the economic performance of the town.

He said: "I have always been passionate about improving the economic performance of Greater Merseyside. The rejuvenation of the sub-region has been a major success in recent years."

Aidan has always held the town in high regard, as he explained: "During my time on Merseyside I have had close inward investment links with St Helens and I actually championed it as being considered for the first City Growth Strategy pilot areas. I was delighted when it was chosen as I know exactly what a wealth of opportunities the borough has to offer."

He replaces Marc Cole who left the council to take up the post of Director of Operations for Bradford Centre Urban Regeneration Company.

Married with four sons, including 15-year-old twins, Aidan has held senior positions with English Partnerships and English Estates and has also worked extensively in the private sectors.

He added: "I certainly join the council at an exciting time, especially with the recent news of the £100 million development."