Whether you believe that COVID-19 has created the change now underway in urban centres, or merely accelerated changes already underway, we must all agree that our town and cities will never be the same again.

Disappearing retail brands, trends towards more home-working and a tendency amongst the public to avoid congested areas might be enough to convince some to ‘throw the towel in’. But don’t do so just yet.

Using practical examples, this webinar should convince you that the future might be different but, with careful and bold planning, it can be bright.

In conjunction with the Association of Town and City Centre Management (ATCM), leading experts will share their insights into what changes are underway, what can be done to minimise damage or disruption, and what opportunities this period may present.

Then, using Ipswich as a case study, we will look at how national and international lessons can be applied locally. Ipswich’s plan is to create the UK’s first ‘connected town centre’ a progression of the internationally established ’15-minute city’ model. This ambitious revival project will be kick-started with £25 million from the government’s Town Deal programme. This webinar will explain the concept in detail, together with its intended benefits for businesses, residents and visitors.

Agenda

10:30 - Introduction

10:35 - Speakers

• Ojay McDonald - ATCM
• Paul Swinney - The Centre for Cities
• Minnie Moll - The Design Council
• Steve Walker - Allies & Morrison

11:35 - Presentation from Paul Clement

11:45 - Ipswich Panel Discussion

• Gurpreet Jagpal - University of Suffolk
• John Howard - Wharf Developments
• Mandy Errington - DJV Boutique
• Marta Holton - Stanley Bragg Architects
• Sarah Holmes - New Wolsey Theatre

12:00 - Summary & Next Steps

The conference is being hosted online a web-conference platform. Details of how to join the conference will be sent to all attendees.