Independent Chair of Hemel Garden Communities Board Appointed

Living Magazines Bob Lane OBE Independent Chair Hemel Garden Communities

Bob Lane OBE has been appointed to the role of Independent Chair of the Hemel Garden Communities Board. Bob  brings with him experience of implementing regeneration and growth projects in Merseyside and Northamptonshire  and extensive knowledge of both the private and public sector. A wide-ranging non-executive career has included  Ebbsfleet Urban Development Corporation; the Homes and Communities Agency (now Homes England); the Port of Dover and, the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation.

Hemel Garden Communities is working to deliver 11,000 new and sustainable homes in green communities around  Hemel Hempstead. A key focus is encouraging residents to engage with public transport, cycling and walking as means of travel, and to create quality homes and jobs in the region.

Bob said: ‘HGC is an exciting project which when completed will create high quality new communities and transform Hemel. It will be a long journey but I hope that my experience in similar projects will help develop momentum and start to achieve the ambitious vision agreed by the partners.’

Hemel Garden Communities and their partners – Dacorum Borough Council, St Albans City and District Council, Hertfordshire County Council, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership – are working with landowners to deliver the programme, including affordable homes, new neighbourhoods, play areas and green spaces, as well as creating 10,000 new jobs.

Councillor Chris White, Leader of St Albans City & District Council said: ‘I am delighted to have Bob join the Board.  He brings extensive experience across the planning and development sector and will be a real asset in helping drive our ambitious programme forward.’

Councillor Andrew Williams, Leader of Dacorum Borough Council added, ‘Bob’s extensive knowledge of delivering housing and mixed use development across the UK will be a real benefit to the Board and I look forward to working with him. I’m sure he will make a significant contribution to fulfilling our vision for Hemel Garden Communities.’