Urbanism
Environment
Design

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Symposium on Franco-British approaches to Urban Regeneration.

This event will compare strategic projects in Paris with major London projects and will explore the process of development and how they differ. French representatives will share their experience and practitioners and policy makers in London will discuss what lessons are applicable. The morning presentations will be followed by a networking morning tea break and then a series of workshops which will dig deeper.

The focus will be on suburban areas such as Upper and Lower Lea Valley and centres such as Canning Town or Croydon, and on areas such as Plaine Commune St Denis, La Defence, and other parts of Ile de France where regeneration is underway.

Now that Paris and London are only a couple of hours apart by Eurostar, it is going to be vital to share good practice in tackling the challenges that both cities face. Both cities are upgrading their local transport systems, and promoting investment outside the historic centres, with London expecting great benefits from CrossRail. Yet both cities face concentrations of deprivation. Riots last year hit some London suburban shopping centres hard, and despite all the new jobs many feel left out.

The report of the TEN groups study tour to Paris last year highlighted fundamental differences in coordinating transport planning and strategic development, with 18 new tram lines, shared planning departments, and bringing green space into high density developments. Paris simply seems more joined up, and the Plan for Grand Paris is setting very ambitious goals. On the other hand London may be better at integrating outsiders.

Through expert presentations, and workshop discussions, we will be exploring ideas for getting growth going again, rebuilding confidence in run-down areas, mobilising private finance, and building social capital. The report of the event is expected to influence thinking about the kind of strategic planning that is now needed.

General Information:

WHAT: Conference organised by URBED in association with NLA, RTPI London and URBED's TEN Group. Sponsored by Bouygues UK.

WHEN: Wednesday 16th October 2013, 9am-1pm (8.30am registration and refreshments)

WHERE: The Building Centre, 26 Store Street, WC1E 7BT

Please click here for full symposium programme

Booking is essential. Please contact sally@urbed.coop or call Sally on 0771 497 9956