I’m Catherine, an urban planner by training and in heart…passionate about making places that not only work but that also bring people joy.
I provide progressive, strategic leadership, advice and expertise based on a foundation of 30 years working across England in the development, heritage and culture sectors, the last ten years as Regional Director for Historic England working across the north. In this time, I have led teams working on regeneration and development projects, worked in collaboration with developers and consultants, other Government agencies and Local/Combined Authorities. I also bring experience in managing the impacts of climate change to historic places having worked for a year as Historic England’s Director of Climate Change Programme.
I particularly love our everyday heritage that’s all around us, such as an old industrial building showing the scars of use…and seeing it brought back to life in a fun and creative way.
I have recently taken up a couple of new Trustee/Board roles: for the wonderful Grade II* listed Victoria Baths in Manchester and with Oyez Arts, a Community Benefit Society that runs the old Town Hall in Altrincham as an art and community hub.
Outside of work, I help to organise a local film club showing independent films to about 50 people once a month. More than anything I love travel…exploring new cities, finding hidden neighbourhoods and pointing at buildings…a busman’s holiday really…with added wine!