Queensberry enjoyed a successful week at UK REiiF in Leeds

As the team returns home from a successful week at UK REiiF, in Leeds, we reflect on what were the main highlights.

We all participated in a number of well attended conference sessions covering a range of topics including the Levelling Up agenda; sustainable and green developments; collaborative working, transport infrastructure, housing provision and the future of our urban centres.

Our sponsored panel ‘UK High Streets – How Do We Maintain Pace with Reimagining Place?’ chaired by our CEO Paul Sargent was insightful, thought provoking and an honest analysis of the difficulties that local councils face in delivering meaningful regeneration.

We had a great panel with contributions from Lord Bob Kerslake – Chair of the House of Lords, Pat Richie CBE – Chair of GPA, Tony Reeves – Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council and Dr Angela Brockbank – Director of Thirteen Housing Group.

The debate covered the challenges that we face with a lack of capacity in both the public and private sector insufficient long term funding solutions, new forms of working partnerships and social inclusion. We all agreed that educational, healthcare and cultural facilities are the new uses driving the national regeneration agenda. Equally important we concluded that improved inclusion and social value in our communities is achieved through improving access to education, skills training and public transportation.

Paul Sargent said:

“Special thanks to the panellists for sharing their time and experience of working with public and private sector bodies, for setting out thoughts on how places can drive forward regeneration and create civic pride. I hope the capacity audience took a lot from the event. It was great to see so many familiar faces and we continue to move forward providing strategic advice and delivery solutions on behalf of the public sector to help shape and transform towns and cities across the UK. I’m sure we will return next year.”

Paul also took part in a roundtable discussion on The Future of Place Based Investment chaired by Lord Grimstone and another hosted by Core Cities Group on Public/Private Partnerships.