5 minutes with...... David Thompson, Project Manager - Ebury Bridge Estate

David Thompson has played a pivotal role as the project manager of the Ebury Bridge Estate Project and in light of the excellent news of Ebury receiving planning permission and David’s retirement we thought we should take the time to learn more about his life and career.

Most influential project you have worked on?

As Director of Housing in Birmingham successfully outsourcing a failing repairs service without any industrial action by the 1,000 operatives which led to the transformation of the day to day repairs service which further led to the 90,000 tenants voting against stock transfer

Who has taught you the most in your life in terms of personal goals?

CX of Birmingham Council Michael Lyons who valued day to day transactional achievements not only the transformational. He also showed me how to secure consensus decisions. They last longer.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

As Shakespeare said, “know thy entrances and thy exits”. I often lingered too long

Which has been more valuable in your career your education or your experience?

Experience, particularly in unlocking urban renewal solutions with untrusting communities

What skills have you found vital to your job/Ebury Bridge project in particular?

Translating, advocating and embedding the straightforward desire of Ebury residents to create an inclusive neighbourhood.

Future aspirations?

The graveyards of England are full of indispensable local government officers so I will be finding a better life balance with much more fell walking, mountain biking and sailing.

Biggest life lesson your career has taught you?

Individuals are seldom perfect, but teams can be.

You have successful steered our Ebury scheme in achieving a recent major milestone with its unanimous approval at planning committee. In your opinion what do you believe are its key successes to achieving this feat?

Success in harnessing strong resident ambition with equal strength of political aspiration welded together by the design for a new London neighbourhood that secured their support.