THE New Swindon Company Swindon's urban regeneration company has appointed Chris Hitchings as its new Development Manager to drive forward major physical regeneration projects.

He is a chartered surveyor whose career in property has included the Cardiff Bay Development Company, where he played a lead role in bringing forward a number of major developments such as the Mermaid Quay Shopping Centre.

Peter Andrews, chief executive of the New Swindon Company, said: "I am delighted to welcome Chris to the team.

"He has delivered a number of major development projects in previous roles and this experience will be invaluable as we bring forward initiatives in the town centre."

Mr Hitchings added: "This is a very exciting time as the regeneration framework for the town centre is nearing completion and from it will emerge a number of key projects. I have no doubt that we will start to see significant change taking shape in the coming year."