IAN Piper, the chief executive of Forward Swindon, the organisation charged with delivering economic growth and regeneration in the borough, has announced his resignation.

Mr Piper has been offered a senior role at the Homes and Communities Agency working on the national priority to make more public land available for housing.

The chief executive's leaving date is still to be confirmed. He joined Forward Swindon in September 2010 from the South West Regional Development Agency.

In that time he has overseen the creation of a new and effective inward investment service, a programme of comprehensive engagement with Swindon’s businesses and a range of regeneration projects that include the new station forecourt, the first phase of Kimmerfields and a new master plan for the town centre.

Last year alone the work of Forward Swindon helped to realise over £70m of private investment into the town.

Forward Swindon was set up by Swindon Council in 2010. It is funded by the council but is run independently with a private sector-led board.

Mr Piper said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Forward Swindon and am proud to have contributed to the increasingly positive and confident atmosphere in the town.

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to lead the team at Forward Swindon who are dedicated to the future success and prosperity of Swindon.

“I would like to thank everyone for all the support they have given me and the team over the last four years.”

The chair of Forward Swindon, Alan Shepherd, said: “Ian has led Forward Swindon through an exciting time for the company and for Swindon.

“During a challenging economic period Swindon has been one of the few places that has managed to retain and attract significant new inward investment to support our physical regeneration and secure our business base.

“Ian can be very proud of the key role he has played in this and on behalf of the Forward Swindon board I’d like to thank him for his commitment and dedication.”

Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Skills, Coun Garry Perkins (Con, Haydon Wick), said: “Ian has led Forward Swindon incredibly well, instilling a real discipline to the work and ensuring there has been a clear focus on delivering results that benefit Swindon.

“I’d like to thank him for all his efforts and wish him well for the future.

“I look forward to working with the Forward Swindon board to build on the great work the company has done to date and ensure it continues to play a key role in securing the economic prosperity of the borough.”

The Forward Swindon board will be considering interim arrangements for the chief executive position at its next meeting.