Architectural designer becomes youngest Civic Trust chair

Architectural designer Nixie Edwards has become the youngest ever chair of Burnley Civic Trust, having taken the role aged just 37.

Nixie, director and cofounder at Burnley architecture and planning firm HAD & Co, has taken the role as Edward Walton stepped down to vice-chairman after five years leading the Trust.

Founded in 1964, Burnley Civic Trust works to protect and promote Burnley’s built environment, landscape, countryside and heritage. The Trust considers planning applications with heritage associations, runs the Burnley Blue Plaque scheme, has its own publishing programme, holds public lectures on conservation and heritage issues, and works with partners and like-minded organisations in Burnley and beyond.

Nixie, who established HAD & Co with business partner Saira Hussain, in 2019, said: "It’s a big task, but I am absolutely honoured to be trusted to chair Burnley Civic Trust.

"Burnley has a remarkable story, from its industrial past to the creative energy we see today, and I hope to bring the spotlight on our town for all its glory of the past, in the present and for the future.

"With the Year of Culture on the horizon, there has never been a better time for people to get involved and help shape and protect Burnley.”

HAD & Co, which has also has offices in Blackburn and Manchester, focuses primarily on retrofits, often converting derelict or disused buildings into residential properties or HMOs. It oversees projects both in the north west and across the wider UK.