National leaders gather in Southampton for three-day conference on the future of UK towns and cities

Civic leaders, university representatives, businesses and policymakers from across the UK are gathering in Southampton today (20 October) for a major national conference examining how towns and cities can become more successful, sustainable and resilient.

The University of Southampton is co-hosting i-PLACE 26 alongside Southampton City Council, bringing together leading figures from local government, education, business and cultural organisations.

The three-day event, which runs until Thursday 22 October, will explore how communities can improve economic growth and public services while protecting the culture, heritage and identity that make individual towns and cities unique.

Organised by the Key Cities Innovation Network, the conference aims to encourage closer working between universities, councils and businesses to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing communities across the country.

Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund are supporting the event as strategic partners.

Among those attending are senior government and local authority representatives, academics and experts in regeneration, culture and sustainability.

The University of Southampton is represented by several leading academics, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery CBE, Professor Jane Falkingham CBE, former government minister Professor John Denham and sustainable energy expert Professor AbuBakr Bahaj.

Other speakers include Darren Henley CBE, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, James Ömer Bridge, Secretary-General and CEO of UNESCO UK, and Jillian Kay, Chief Executive of Southampton City Council.

The gathering comes as towns and cities across the UK face increasing pressure to deliver economic growth, improve public services and respond to environmental challenges.

Discussions will examine how local communities can have a greater say in decisions affecting their neighbourhoods, alongside the role universities can play in supporting innovation and development.

Culture and heritage will also feature prominently, with delegates considering how historic buildings, creative industries and community identity can contribute to the success of towns and cities.

University of Southampton Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery CBE said: “I’m very proud to be hosting this important national conversation in Southampton. I’m still relatively new to the city, but I’ve already been struck by how ambitious Southampton is and how much pride people have in the city.

“As a university, we want to bring the full strength of our research, education and innovation to work with our partners around a shared ambition for the region. One in which everyone can belong, contribute and thrive.”

Professor Jane Falkingham CBE, Vice President of Engagement and International at the University of Southampton and Chair of the Key Cities Innovation Network, said the conference would help connect national ambitions with the needs of local communities.

She said: “Place is where national ambitions ultimately have to work — in our cities, neighbourhoods and communities. i-PLACE brings universities together with local government, national partners, business and communities to connect research with practical experience.

“Our ambition is to build a national platform through which places can learn from one another, develop new approaches and turn innovation into better outcomes for the people who live there.”

The conference will conclude on Thursday with the first Key Cities Symposium, focusing on how towns and cities can become more resilient in the face of future challenges.

The symposium will explore climate change adaptation and the protection of cultural and historic assets, as well as the importance of partnerships between public services, universities and local communities.

It will be chaired by Councillor Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council and Chair of Key Cities.

Councillor Maple said: "One of Key Cities' greatest strengths is bringing together civic leaders, universities, businesses and communities to share experiences and learn from one another. Across our network, we see innovative solutions to many of the same challenges. And events such as i-PLACE, developed by Key Cities Innovation Network and hosted by our member Southampton this year, provide an important opportunity to turn those ideas into practical action.

“At a time of significant change for local government, it is more important than ever that we focus on outcomes for our places, residents and communities. If we want to drive economic growth, tackle inequalities and create opportunities for future generations, we have to start with strong local places. That means creating places that are liveable and lovable, giving people the confidence and opportunity to thrive."

Organisers hope the discussions will produce practical ideas that councils, universities and other organisations can use to improve communities across the country.

The conference also provides an opportunity for Southampton to showcase its ambitions for economic development, innovation and cultural growth to a national audience.

i-PLACE 26 runs from Tuesday 20 October until Thursday 22 October in Southampton.

Further details about the programme are available at www.i-place.uk

BREAKING NEWS ACROSS THE SOUTH 
Don't miss the stories that matter to you! Get BREAKING NEWS ALERTS sent STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE. Download the FREE V2 RADIO APP today! Seen something? Know something? Got a story we should be covering? BE OUR EYES AND EARS. Email news tips, images and video to news@v2radio.co.uk 

HALF PRICE. BIG SAVINGS. DON'T MISS OUT!
STOP PAYING FULL PRICE! Get 50% OFF restaurants, days out, attractions and unforgettable experiences across the SOUTH. GRAB YOUR DEALS NOW at WWW.V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK