Tewkesbury Borough Council and Historic England have announced the appointment of a new programme manager to oversee the delivery of the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) projects in Tewkesbury town centre over the next two years. Georgia Smith joined the team in March 2022 with a remit to co-ordinate delivery of the programme's key projects.

The £2million partnership is made up of grant funding from Historic England and matched funding from the Tewkesbury Borough Council, with contributions from Tewkesbury town centre-based business tenants and property owners matching any grant they receive as part of the scheme.

The programme will see historic buildings repaired and brought back into use and public spaces improved to attract shoppers, visitors and businesses into the town.

Georgia's role is varied, and includes funding works to historic properties and boosting traditional construction craft skills. She will administer the HSHAZ shop front grants scheme and distribute grants for bringing vacant upper floor space back into use, and - through a series of events over the next few months - will promote the use of traditional skills. She will be gathering the views of the community on how they see the future of Tewkesbury's town centre.

Georgia brings with her a wealth of experience, including over 20 years' involvement in town centre management in other historic locations such as Worcester, Hereford and Gloucester, where she led on tourism promotion and the delivery of major events including the Worcester Christmas Fayre, the installation of town centre pedestrian signage and the creation of business improvement districts.

Georgia said, "I am hugely excited to be working in this amazing town with such a rich heritage. The HSHAZ funding will make a positive difference to the way Tewkesbury's historic fabric is cared for and aims to leave a legacy of better maintained and presented buildings as well as a renewed interest in understanding and valuing its history. I hope that some of the events we are planning will stimulate an enthusiasm for researching and recording both its contemporary life and its past."

Councillor Mel Gore, lead member for built environment, said: "We are thrilled that Georgia has joined the team here in Tewkesbury, and look forward to working with her and seeing the fruits of her work in the town's events' calendar as well as the revitalised shop fronts and much needed return of upper floor space brought to active use."

Rebecca Barrett, regional director at Historic England South West, said: "We're delighted that Georgia has been appointed to lead on the Tewkesbury High Street HAZ. Along with an impressive track record, she brings great enthusiasm for the town and the potential for its heritage to play a big part in Tewkesbury's future success. She's made a great start already and we're looking forward to working with her as the HAZ progresses."