The Future of Regeneration Conference

On 2 July, over 130 delegates representing over 65 organisations across the West Midlands gathered at the Future of Regeneration Conference at the Moat House Leisure and Neighbourhood Centre, Coventry. The event, hosted by Coventry NDC and RegenWM, was opened by Adrian Passmore (Chief Executive, RegenWM), Afzal Hussain (Coventry NDC Director) and Martin Smith (NDC Partnership Board Resident Chair). They introduced the main issues for discussion and highlighted that regeneration was now core to all professionals - not just regeneration programme experts. 

The conference then heard from a range of perspectives. Professor Paul Lawless (Sheffield Hallam University) outlined the key findings from the NDC National Evaluation showing how NDC investments had made a positive contribution to neighbourhoods. Keith Carnegie - Divisional Chairman, Bovis Homes clearly set out how difficult and challenging the current economic climate is for house builders, but contended that where private, sector and third sector work collaboratively, positive progress can still be made. This theme was picked up by Paul Spooner, Regional Director - Homes and Communities Agency who set out the priorities for the HCA and how housing is a driver for economic and social change.

Martin Reeves (Chief Executive, Coventry City Council) contended that, although times were tough, this was a time for clear and bold leadership and is a once in generation opportunity to think differently. In the panel session, facilitated by Pat Brandum (Chief Executive, West Mercia Housing Group) the discussion highlighted that we are now in a rapidly changing environment and so new mindsets, methods and ways of working are imperative to meet the challenges ahead.

In the afternoon, delegates were able to see the NDC area first hand through bus and walking tours of the area. They saw the improvements made and plans moving forward. The conference reconvened and delegates heard from a range of speakers about the ambitious housing redevelopment that will positively impact not just the physical environment, but have positive community benefits.

To access the presentations from the event please click here.