THE man charged with reviving Southampton city centre has quit after less than six months in the job.

Jon Walton was chosen from dozens of candidates to head up Go!Southampton – the city’s Business Improvement District (BID) – because of his extensive experience in the retail industry.

But the pressures of commuting from Glasgow and a change in family circumstances have led him to resign. Mr Walton will leave on December 22.

Speaking to the Echo he said he was “absolutely gutted and devastated” to be leaving.

The retail expert, who as a musician supported Deep Purple in the 1970s, said: “It is a great city with huge, yet unfulfilled potential, and it is with huge regret that due to a family matter, I have to return to Scotland. 

“However, I leave a great team who will be able to continue the progress already made.

“The BID will be able to make and influence significant changes to this wonderful city and is blessed with some wonderful and passionate stakeholders who are committed to a collaborative approach that will soon reap benefits.

“I wish that I could have been here to see this happen”.

Since starting the role on May 22, Jon had already made progress on a number of initiatives including a deep clean of the city centre, a free social media content service for traders and support for a number of city events.

Tim Keeping, chairman of Go!Southampton, who is the manager of the Marlands, said: “Jon will still be with Go Southampton for a few months yet and he is committed to ensuring an orderly handover of current projects. 

“The executive will be working closely with him and the rest of the BID team to make suitable interim arrangements while we seek a successor for the position of chief executive.

“I would like to thank Jon for his efforts during his short time with us.”

A new chief executive is expected to be appointed before the end of the year.”