Adam Hawksbee has been hired as interim chair of the government’s new Towns Unit.
The deputy director of think tank Onward will be charged with delivering the government’s Long-Term Plan for Towns, backed by £1.1bn, which aims to regenerate 55 towns around the UK.
Under the initiative, each town will receive a 10-year endowment-style fund with £20m of funding focused on regenerating high streets and setting up towns boards.
Hawksbee, who will take the role on a part-time basis, alongside his position at Onward, said: “It’s an honour to be heading up this vital work, which will empower communities to transform their towns. The Long-Term Plan for Towns puts local people at the heart of change, letting them choose their own priorities. Whether that’s making high streets safer and cleaner, improving transport links or celebrating local heritage, we will help towns to rebuild a sense of pride.”
Levelling up minister Jacob Young added: “Towns have been taken for granted for too long and local leaders need long-term funding that goes directly to community priorities, instead of being caught up in public sector red tape.”
Prior to Onward, Hawksbee was head of policy at the West Midlands Combined Authority.
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