Peter Barbalov, Partner, Farrells

"Citymaking is top of the agenda again in the 21 ^st  century  - UK cities population is projected to grow significantly in the near future. Cities will need to accommodate for this growth, for people that need to live and work in them.

This brings a new set of challenges  - density, mixed-use, enhanced infrastructure, and the what is needed to make cities and places successful – homes, schools, hospitals, green and public open spaces.

The challenge is of retrofitting the cities and urban areas building and enhancing on what is already there – after  the world’s first industrial revolution, now we are at the beginnings of the first post-industrial revolution - we  are going back and rethinking the cities and the way they work, upgrading backlands to frontlands, improving infrastructure and increasing density.  

Key to the success of this is Placemaking as a process and a way of thinking - bringing together the various stakeholders, integrating the challenges and opportunities facing our cities in the 21 ^st  Century."

David Rudlin, Director, URBED

"Development in the UK is becoming polarised between garden cities and high rise apartment blocks.

There may be a place for both, but what happened to the sort of high-density mixed-use streets and neighbourhoods that make up the tissue of every great city?

Before the recession we had started to get this right and as urban land markets once more start to boom we need to ensure that we don't forget the art of city building so recently rediscovered'"      

Richard Garlick, Editor of Planning Magazine and PlacemakingResource:

"This event has been designed to provide an insight into the factors that, alongside planning, are key to delivering great places.

Delegates will hear expert presentations on town centre management, urban design, community involvement, funding and finance and affordable housing.

Planners seeking a wider perspective, as well as applicants seeking a greater understanding of what makes a scheme well-received, will find plenty of sessions that meet their information needs"