Fionnuala Lennon, Homes England’s Head of Garden Communities will be giving a keynote speech at next week’s Building Garden Communities Conference, outlining their plans for garden communities post COVID-19.
The half-day virtual conference, which takes place between 9am and 1pm on 25 March, will also feature Professor Carlos Moreno, the pioneer for the 15-minute city concept as he discusses how the concept can be applied to future garden communities.
A wide range of expert speakers will be taking part in panel discussions throughout the morning, focusing on placemaking, transport and infrastructure, supporting the local economy and building back better. Speakers include:
- Christian Brodie, Chair, South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP);
- Andrew Taylor, Group Planning Director, Countryside;
- Ian Piper, Chief Executive, Ebbsfleet Development Corporation;
- Coby Tomlins, Project Lead for Dunton Hills Garden Village, Brentwood Council;
- Tara Gbloade, Co-Founder Gbolade Design Studio;
- Richard Davidson, Director, Willmott Dixon; and
- David Ames, Executive Director, Letchworth Garden City; plus many more.
Supporting the expert-led morning of conversation, Countryside, Willmott Dixon, Ebbsfleet Development Corporation and Anglia Ruskin University have partnered with the conference, joining existing supporters SELEP, the Essex Developers Group and the Kent Developers Group.
Christian Brodie, SELEP Chair, said:
“Garden communities are going to play a major part in the UK’s housebuilding drive. This virtual conference comes at a really important time allowing us to discuss how these developments can enhance the spaces around them and respond to changing perceptions on homes, how people work and connect with their local community.”
Richard Davidson, Director, Willmott Dixon said:
“As a business headquartered in the world’s first garden city and for whom ensuring we create a lasting positive legacy in all we do; it seems only appropriate to be contributing to the creation of the next generation of garden communities.
With our experience in creating thriving and sustainable communities in partnership with local authority partners and private investors, we look forward to this conference and the opportunities it brings to collaborate with a broad of range of stakeholders and create places which are fit for future generations.”
Andrew Taylor, Group Planning Director, Countryside, said:
“As a leading UK home builder with an exemplary history of building places people are proud to call their home, we are delighted to be supporting the Building Garden Communities Conference.
“This morning of discussion is vital to ensuring we create the right communities, that are suitable for both new and existing residents, with sustainable infrastructure and amenities. We look forward to sharing our insight as passionate developers of communities and places with other panellists and delegates on 25 March.”
Mark Curle, Chair of the Essex Developers Group, said:
“Garden communities provide a great opportunity for the area to grow and take the lead in creating thoughtful, appropriate developments for residents new and old and boosting skills. We’re looking forward to the conference and showing how garden communities can promote good growth and create prosperity across the south east.”
Nick Fenton, Chair of the Kent Developers Group, said:
“This conference will provide investors, developers and business leaders from across all sectors with a morning dedicated to discussing garden communities and exploring the benefits they could provide to our area.”
Following the close of the conference, there will be an opportunity for delegates to meet up virtually, using a dedicated networking platform.
The full programme, and confirmed speakers, can be found here. Tickets for the conference cost just £45+VAT and can be purchased here.
For more information or to organise a press pass please contact:
Natasha Cobley
ncobley@wlcreative.org.uk
07741 660090