Sir Michael Lyons to retire as chair of English Cities Fund

Sir Michael Lyons will retire as chair of the English Cities Fund (ECF) at the end of January 2027, concluding a 25-year tenure. ECF is a joint venture partnership comprising Homes England’s National Housing Bank, Legal & General, and Muse.

Under Lyons' leadership since 2002, the organization has overseen significant large-scale, housing-led regeneration projects across the United Kingdom. Notable developments include the £1bn regeneration programme in Salford, the transformation of Rathbone Market in London, and projects in Liverpool, Wakefield, and Plymouth. The partnership's capital base grew from £200m in 2018 to £400m in 2024.

ECF is currently targeting the delivery of approximately 17,000 additional homes and one million square feet of commercial space by 2036. Ongoing and planned developments include work in Wolverhampton, St Helens, Hull, and Bradford. Lyons' career includes serving as chief executive for several local councils, including Birmingham and Wolverhampton.