Design Midlands: City Talks are FREE to attend. In this session we discuss new towns from an historical perspective.

In our second City Talks, we turn our attention to New Towns and ask a fundamental question: what should the vision be for the next generation of towns and cities?

Design Midlands, as part of the Design Network, is developing Vision Training for Placemaking Strategies in collaboration with the Planning Advisory Service (PAS). The idea of vision is central to this work – but what do we actually mean by vision, and who should be responsible for shaping it?

Early 20th-century urban theorists had much to say about the future of cities. Urban life was changing rapidly, prompting new ideas about how people might live, work and move around. But what about today? Do we need visionaries on the teams creating our new towns, or do we need a strong, shared vision of what the future should look like? What should be the key considerations when planning new towns in modern Britain?

We are delighted to welcome Amanda Ford, Strategic Sites Lead for the proposed Wychavon Town – a new settlement of around 12,000 homes at Worcestershire Parkway.

We will also be joined by Simon Fitton, Director of YTL Developments, responsible for Brabazon, the major new development on the former Filton Airfield in the South West.

Together, these projects offer two fascinating perspectives: one new town preparing to take shape and another already well advanced in its delivery. What can we learn from their different experiences, and how can those lessons inform the next generation of new settlements?

The discussion will be framed by 20th Century urbanist who will remind us of the contribution thinkers like Jane Jacobs made to how we understand placemaking. The event is chaired by Jacob Bonehill, a Planning Consultant with extensive experience of large-scale development.

This is intended to be a conversation, not simply a presentation. We invite the audience to contribute to the debate and tell us:

What is your vision for the towns and cities of the future?

Description supplied by the event organiser.