You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
‘Unsung hero’ of social housing Richard Farnell dies
Professor Richard Farnell, the former chair of Birmingham-based housing association Midland Heart and a leading academic on regeneration, has died aged 71.
Professor Farnell, who died on Sunday (23 September) after a battle with cancer, was the founding chair of 32,000-home Midland Heart when it was established in 2006.
Prior to that he served as chair of housing association Keynote, whose merger with Prime Focus led to the formation of Midland Heart.
In his academic life, Professor Farnell was emeritus professor of neighbourhood regeneration at Coventry University, where he taught urban studies and town planning.
Tom Murtha, the former chief executive of Keynote and Midland Heart, paid tribute to Professor Farnell, who he described as a “true friend” and a “gentle giant”.
In a blog, he wrote that Professor Farnell did “more for social housing over the last 30 years than anyone I know”.
He added: “He was one of the unsung heroes of social housing who are the real keepers of our social purpose and values. His passion for social housing was second to none.”
Professor Farnell, who was a qualified town planner, was also a canon theologian of Coventry Cathedral and chair of the cathedral council.
According to Mr Murtha, Professor Farnell had been diagnosed after a melanoma that started on his heel spread to his other organs. He was receiving care and support from the NHS and family and friends at home prior to his death.
