INDUSTRY leaders discussed crucial topics such as housing, regeneration, and planning at the Regenerate Central South annual conference.
Hosted at the West Downs Centre at the University of Winchester Business School on July 3, the conference drew in a broad range of expert speakers who delivered detailed, inspired presentations on the subjects at hand.
Abby Foster, director at Ridge, discussed the company's involvement in the creation of the inspiring conference venue.
Host Mark Davy, founder of Futurecity, opened the conference with an engaging talk emphasising the importance of cooperation and partnership in achieving success.
Mr Davy said: "The Central South is big enough to be relevant but small enough to be able to have these sort of conversations."
Dominic Curran, head of communications at the British Property Federation (BPF), initiated the housing session speaking on the BPF Manifesto on housing.
His presentation provided an overview of the national perspective before transitioning into a discussion with Charlie Collins, Director at Savills, and Matthew Turpin, Public Affairs Lead at VIVID, about the local circumstances.
Mr Turpin, known for his significant role in forming the soon-to-be-published Central South - A Call for Housing Change document, lent his expertise to the conversation.
Acclaimed author and architect Marion Baeli from 10design highlighted the impact of construction on the planet and the benefits of retrofit.
The ensuing dynamic exchange saw contributions from a panel that included Abby Foster and other industry professionals, with Tim Hancock, chair of Tor & Co, leading the conversations.
The final session of the day allowed Helen Fadipe, vice president of the Royal Town Planning Institute, to illuminate the innovative plans in progress to streamline the planning process and recruitment.
The planning panel was led by Bryony Stala, Director at Savills, along with Ian Maguire, Katie Randall, Tom Venables, and Julie Pinnock, key figures in planning and regulatory services.
Business South Group CEO, Leigh-Sara Timberlake, expressed the event’s success, stating it highlighted the drive and foresight present in the region.
Ms Timberlake said: "Our speakers ably illustrated the real desire there is to ensure the Central South UK meets its full potential, while keeping sustainability at the forefront of our activity.
"We look forward to further developing many of the ideas that were raised during the day."
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