The RTPI West Midlands is delighted to announce the relaunch of the Awards for Planning Excellence, celebrating the very best of planning across the region.
Join us for an inspiring evening in the heart of Birmingham city centre, at The Exchange, on Thursday 18 June 2026, as we come together to recognise outstanding achievement, innovation and dedication within the planning profession.
This special relaunch event will not only showcase the exceptional projects, people and ideas shaping the West Midlands, but will also pay tribute to the life and legacy of Professor Gordon Cherry, marking 30 years since his passing. A pioneer of planning history and a leading academic at the University of Birmingham, Gordon Cherry made an enduring contribution to British town planning.
His influence lives on through his seminal writing, his service as President of the RTPI (1978/79) and his long-standing commitment as a member of the RTPI Council.
Expect an evening of celebration, reflection and connection with colleagues from across the region, as we honour planning excellence past and present.
If you’re interested in sponsoring the RTPI West Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence, please contact heidi.smith@rtpi.org.uk
Getting to the venue
The Exchange is located at 3 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2DR.
By train: Birmingham New Street is about a 10‑minute walk from the venue.
Birmingham Snow Hill is around 15–20 minutes on foot.
Moor Street and Five Ways stations are also within walking distance (under 1 mile).
By bus: The venue is close to Centenary Square, which is served by several city‑centre bus routes.
The nearest bus stop is Baskerville House (Centenary Square), just a short walk away.
By car: There is no on‑site parking, but you’ll find several pay‑and‑display and multi‑storey car parks within a 5–10‑minute walk, including options around Exchange Square, Great Charles Street, Snow Hill and the city centre.
By taxi: Taxis can drop you off nearby on Bridge Street or around Centenary Square, approximately 100–200 metres from the venue.
Before you set off, it's worth checking for any updates – e.g. ongoing roadworks in the area that might affect your journey.
Access and inclusion
We're committed to making sure everyone has a great experience at our events. Once you've booked, we'll get in touch to talk through any access needs or requirements you might have. If you have any questions in the meantime, just contact mary.bolawole@rtpi.org.uk – we're here to help.
Tickets
We offer free tickets for carers and have a limited number of free or discounted tickets for those working in the public sector, students and those on low income/unemployed. Contact us to check availability.
If you wish to make a group booking, please contact mary.bolawole@rtpi.org.uk.
Food and refreshments
Canapes and a selection of wine, beer and soft drinks will be served. We always provide vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and we're happy to cater for other dietary requirements like Kosher or Halal meals – just let mary.bolawole@rtpi.org.uk know.
