Nigel Foster obituary: The Yorkshire transport guru who helped shape the region's landscape
Nigel Foster, who has died at 67, was a transport expert and business leader who had a lasting impact in shaping the region’s commercial landscape.
Born in Leeds in 1958, he went to school at Leeds Central, studied geography at Huddersfield Polytechnic and obtained his MSc in transport planning and engineering at Leeds University before studying town and country planning at London South Bank University.
He began his career as a transport planner with Surrey County Council but soon moved to Ove Arup and Partners where he would spend the majority of his working career, laying the foundation for the growth and direction of the Leeds office, becoming Global Transport Planning Skills leader and heading the firm’s consulting business in the UK.
In 2012 Nigel left Arup to co-found Fore Consulting, a small business, and served as president of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce.
He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Huddersfield University and served on the University of Leeds Council.
His work was focused on how transport could underpin growth and prosperity.
He played a key role in the development of Leeds Arena and even as his health worsened he was advising the team supporting the planning application for the expansion of Elland Road stadium and advocating for the Bradford Southern Gateway station.
Caring and passionate about his colleagues and always generous with his time, he was a hugely knowledgeable technical expert on all aspects of transport.
A passionate advocate for young people within the industry, he was an unrivalled source of advice and guidance at any point in a career, equally able to talk to an apprentice just as much as a senior manager.
Beyond work, Nigel was a lifelong Leeds United fan, a frustrated footballer and a lover of the Yorkshire countryside.
A devoted family man, he is survived by his wife Kendra and their sons, Columba, Alban and Piran.