New appointments for design watchdog

Places Matter, the publicly funded architecture and built environment think-tank for the North West, has recruited new team members to take its programme of activities forward to 2012.

Martin Stockley joins as chair of the North West design review panel, a free and impartial service for local authorities, developers and designers.

Stockley is a member of CABE's schools and crossrail design review panels and has worked in the engineering and construction industry since 1971.

Jo Harrop joins the team as education manager from Wigan Council where she has been acting as programme manager for the Greenheart Regional Park Programme.

Alistair Sunderland, executive partner with Austin-Smith:Lord, will chair Places Matter's newly appointed advisory group by providing a strategic steer and support for the programme, helping to advocate more broadly for its core messages and activities.

Commenting on the organisation, he said: "To date, much has already been achieved by Places Matter in the region, laying the foundations for an ongoing, innovative and valuable programme of built environment activities. Supported by new team members and with funding in place until 2012, Places Matter has taken a great step forward in its development."

Places Matter was formed in 2007 and is delivered by partners RIBA North West, CABE, NWDA, and English Heritage.

The agency received £1.8m from the North West Development Agency to safeguard its operation to 2012.