A leading property expert believes Bristol’s first elected mayor could play a crucial role in shaping the future of the city and its economy.
Philip Morton, Senior Director for CBRE Bristol, who specialises in agency and development work, attended a recent debate on the role the new mayor could play in affecting business and development.
The election is due to take place in November but it is still unclear what role and powers the victor will have in shaping the city.
Issues such as the long-awaited indoor arena, transport and planning were all aired at the debate which took place at the offices of law firm Burges Salmon.
Several candidates have already pledged to bring an arena to Bristol and all of them have claimed to be on the side of the business community.
Mr Morton said: “The debate raised some really interesting issues and it is clear that whoever is elected in mayor in November will have a major influence on what goes in the city.
He added: “One of the most important jobs that the mayor will be able to do is establish the city as a brand. That is something that Bristol has never managed to do before and as a result the city has been overshadowed by its rivals.
“Going forward cities will have to attract inward investment if they are going to prosper. The mayor will be ideally positioned to lead the marketing of the city with the companies looking to invest and expand.”
He added: “Bristol will also have a major advantage over other cities because it is one of the few places in the country to decide to hold a mayoral election.”
“Elected mayors are a Coalition Government initiative and the handful of cities that do have them will surely be looked on favourably by the Government.
“There is also the issue of the Local Enterprise Partnership. Whoever is elected to the position to mayor will have a key role to play in terms of the LEP.”
Other issues discussed at the meeting included availability of land for housing development, planning controls and transport.
Mr Morton said: “It was clear from the debate that the new mayor will have a lot on their hands when they finally get into office not least of those will be planning.
“Bristol has suffered from a shortage of housing and the situation is only going to get worse in the long term when the economy improves and there is a demand for workers. Part of the discussion took place around the availability of land for development. There will be some tough decisions that will have to be taken but at least we will have someone in a position to take those decisions, that is what will make the difference for Bristol.”
Mr Morton added: “Bristol has long suffered in relation to other regional cities. When you look at the facilities in Bristol it does not compete on the same level as other regional centres.
“There is a lot of debate still to be had but the election of a mayor with real powers and influence could be a major bonus for this city. The debate over the coming weeks and the result of the election could have a major bearing on the future prosperity of the city and the surrounding area.”