There is an increasing awareness regarding ‘social value’ but what does this mean to the built environment sector?

How can those planning and delivering buildings and the spaces in between contribute effectively to benefit the wellbeing of their local communities?

PL's Development and Regeneration Sector Group warmly invites you to explore how social benefit in placemaking has the potential to make a significant impact.

Speakers include:

• Cllr Sarah Doyle, Development and Economy Cabinet Member - Liverpool City Council
• Mark Bousfield, Director of Regeneration and Economy – Liverpool City Council
• Alison Ball, Social Value Lead – Arup
• David Wilshire, Senior Construction Manager – Vinci Construction
• Mo Maghazachi, Senior Liaison and Engagement Manager - Everton Football Club

Whilst the effect of COVID-19 has forced the public sector to reconsider their capital projects pipeline in preference of city recovery, private sector developers and built environment specialists committed to delivering social value will be key to Liverpool’s success; increasing employment, upskilling the supply chain, creating better homes, delivering inclusive growth.

Traditionally social value has not been considered as a return on real estate investment or as a measure of progress at different stages of a project. Instead, economic viability has dominated planning negotiations and development outcomes; not always resulting in lasting quality or sustainable wider societal benefit. However, significant impact can be seen where there is better understanding of and commitment to delivering social value.

By focusing on delivering broader social outcomes, not just outputs, development projects can create additional social value. For example, they can help address local socio-economic issues and inequalities; create jobs for previously unemployed; provide opportunities for SMEs; and ultimately increase the quality of life for the people involved in, or impacted by a development project.

As well as having a range of speakers there will be an opportunity for valuable networking and roundtable discussions on the challenges being faced during post pandemic recovery to ensure the thoughts of the wide range of professionals are collated.

We hope to hold this event in person. Should COVID-19 restrictions prevent this however, the event will be held virtually.

[Image credit: Deana Kay]