Having fast become one of the planning world’s liveliest and most enjoyable annual events, it is particularly appropriate that the 2009 event, Participation in Planning, is heading North to one of the UK’s liveliest city centres, with a star-studded list of speakers, a range of study tours and a full social programme.

The twinning of Newcastle, on the north bank, and Gateshead, on the south, has created a successful tourist destination and an award-winning city centre cultural and entertainment district, and planning has played a key role in securing successful regeneration. This conference will focus on how effective community participation and consultation contributes to the creation of successful developments, with the conference theme of effective community participation underpinning many developments in the North East, including Gateshead Quayside and the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder scheme at Walker Riverside. Other schemes that will be looked at, include Newcastle's Eldon Square and Sunniside Gardens in Sunderland.

Martin Willey, President of the RTPI said:

“I can’t wait to join hundreds of young planners in Newcastle to see the amazing progress that the city has made over the past decade. The Young Planners Conference will hear from some of the top planners in the country about how effective community participation can drive and sustain regeneration and development. I’m also looking forward to sampling some of the famous north-eastern hospitality during my visit!”

Speakers include Martin Willey, RTPI President, Patsy Healey, Professor of Town and Country Planning at Newcastle University, Susanna Guest of the Planning Inspectorate, Cheryl Montgomery, Homes and Communities Agency and Tracey Haskins, Young Planner of the Year 2008.

Andrew Dorrian from the North East Young Planners Steering Group said:

‘The Young Planners Conference 2009 aims to provide delegates with an awareness of the need to effectively engage with stakeholders. The cost of the conference and the programme content has been carefully considered as to reflect this major aim of providing delegates with useful consultation techniques. Combined with the wonderful setting of Newcastle Gateshead which has undergone a radical transformation over recent years, this conference will provide a truly a worthwhile CPD activity for the delegates attending.’

Costs for the conference have been kept as low as possible, and there are special reductions for students and an early birds’ discount for people who book before 4 September.

The conference website –  http://www.youngplannersconference.info/ – provides further information and a detailed programme of events. The main conference sessions will be held at the Castlegate, originally built in 1902 to power Newcastle’s tram network, and close to the city centre and quayside.

The weekend will also see Martin Willey, Britain’s top planning professional, visit a number of regeneration projects in Newcastle-Gateshead. Photographs of these visits will be made available, and interview requests are welcomed.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Catherine Middleton, Young Planners’ Network Manager

catherine.middleton@rtpi.org.uk or 07973 778654

Jamie Hodge, Communications & Public Affairs Officer. RTPI

jamie.hodge@rtpi.org.uk or 07969 976 799

Author:

Jamie Hodge

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

28-Aug-09

Categories:

RTPI News 

Sections:

News & Media , The RTPI

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