Sheffield beefs up Gleadless Valley team

The area’s regeneration board will be led by Counter Context managing director Alexis Krachai as independent chair, with Matthew Nimmo drafted in as head of project delivery.

The board provides strategic oversight and advice to support the delivery of regeneration projects in the area.

Krachai brings a wealth of experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, and consultation, having spent more than 20 years working in the sector. He also serves as president of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, and was a founding director of Sheffield Property Association.

He said: “I am pleased to be joining the Gleadless Valley Regeneration Board as independent chair.

“I will listen carefully to local stakeholders and work with all board members so the vision for Gleadless Valley meets local needs and delivers real benefits in communities. I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves.”

The role will see Krachai facilitate effective working relationships between residents, council services and other partners, ensuring a shared, inclusive vision.

He will chair board meetings, ensuring clear objectives, balanced discussion, and consensus-building. He will also work with them to create an ambitious, realistic vision for the future of Gleadless Valley, aligning the workstreams with community priorities.

Sheffield City Council has also appointed Matthew Nimmo as its new head of project delivery and estate regeneration to move Gleadless Valley projects forward.

Nimmo, a veteran in the housing growth and regeneration field, has been advising the council on the Gleadless Valley programme since April 2024 on a contract basis.

Now, as head of project delivery, he will lead the team working alongside residents and partners to bring the masterplan to life.

He said: “I know the process has been frustrating for residents, and I am determined to start delivering improvements on the ground as soon as possible. My plan is to secure investment, bring in organisations to help us deliver, and work with the community to update the plans together.”

Cllr Douglas Johnson chair of SCC’s housing committee, said: “Everyone in Sheffield should be able to live in a safe, warm and affordable property they can be proud to call home.

“We look forward to working across the area to help the community thrive and show some results – having the people of Gleadless Valley involved more in that process.”