City of York Council appoints Garry Taylor as Director of City Development
City of York Council is delighted to announce the appointment of Garry Taylor as the new Director of City Development. Garry, who brings over 25 years of extensive experience in local government, urban regeneration, and place-making, will take up the position on Monday 27 January.
Garry joins the Council following his role as Assistant Director for Major Projects, Culture & Place at Hull City Council. There, he oversaw a £400 million public-private capital investment programme, including highways, cultural venues, retail and leisure developments, and public spaces. His leadership was instrumental in Hull’s transformation during and after its tenure as UK City of Culture 2017, delivering economic growth, cultural renewal, and significant investment to the region.
In his new role, Garry will lead York’s City Development directorate, driving forward strategic regeneration initiatives, inward investment, and sustainable growth to ensure York remains a thriving and inclusive city. A passionate advocate for place-making, Garry is committed to enhancing both the physical environment and the quality of life for all residents and visitors.
“I am truly excited to be joining City of York Council at such a pivotal time,” he said. “York is a city with a rich heritage and dynamic community, and I look forward to working closely with colleagues, partners, and residents to build on its unique character while addressing key challenges and opportunities for sustainable and inclusive development.”
Ian Floyd, Chief Operating Officer at City of York Council, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Garry to the team. His wealth of experience in urban regeneration and his proven track record of delivering transformative projects make him the ideal choice to lead our city development initiatives. We look forward to working with him to ensure York continues to flourish.”
Garry’s appointment aligns with the Council’s commitment to delivering ambitious plans for York’s future, including strengthening the city’s economy, improving infrastructure, and addressing climate and sustainability goals.
With a background in planning and regeneration and professional accreditation as a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI), Garry has also been recognised for his innovative and collaborative approach to fostering partnerships, securing funding, and delivering award-winning projects.