PAULA Hirst has been named as the new Director for Harlow & Gilston Garden Town.

Overseeing 23,000 homes and associated infrastructure across four new Garden Town neighbourhoods, Paula joins HGGT with extensive leadership experience in large scale sustainable urban development and regeneration within the UK and overseas.



Paula’s previous UK projects include Thamesmead Waterfront, Old Oak and Park Royal, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, West of Ifield, Euston, Port of Dover, and the UK Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund. 



Speaking about her new Director role, Paula said: “I’m passionate about delivering urban development and regeneration at scale, bringing housing, facilities, jobs and opportunities for both existing and new residents.

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HGGT really is a flagship project for the Government’s aspirations of 1.5m new homes as well as delivering new schools, healthcare, transport and green spaces to support thriving neighbourhoods and a great quality of life for current and future generations.



“I’m excited to be joining Harlow & Gilston Garden Town to lead one of the most significant regeneration and development programmes in the country.”



Inspired by Sir Frederick Gibberd’s New Town legacy, the delivery of HGGT is being overseen by the Garden Town’s five-council Joint Committee with accelerated economic growth alongside a unique walking and cycling network that supports healthy lifestyles. 



This summer saw Government confirm that the UK Health Security Agency will be moving to Harlow, securing the area’s place as a global centre for health research over the coming decades and reaffirming the town as a key location within the UK Innovation Corridor for further investment opportunities locally. 



Commenting on Paula’s appointment, Chair of the HGGT Joint Committee, Cllr Dan Swords said: “We’re delighted to welcome Paula Hirst as our new Garden Town Director, she has vast urban development experience in the UK and overseas and joins at a pivotal time for the project.



“We’ve had planning permission for 10,000 homes approved at Gilston, UKHSA confirming their new National Biosecurity Centre for the town and we’re on the cusp of completing the first phase of the Sustainable Transport Corridor that will improve active and sustainable travel options for residents and visitors.”