The Development & Regeneration Series – A Round Table

In our latest virtual round table discussion, Panoramic Associates’ Principal Consultant Alex Miller invited two guest speakers and attendees to discuss a variety of topics within the sector.

Chris Shephard – Director of Economic Development at BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council) gave a presentation on “Regeneration – Setting the Scene”. Also, Tom Dobrashian – the Group Head of Place Shaping for Watford Borough Council gave a presentation on “Getting to know Watford”.

Chris explored Bournemouth’s vision for the future as they class themselves as UK newest city region. Their long-term goal is to be one of the best coastal places in the world. To achieve this, they are targeting a variety of areas such as providing a vibrant community, improving residents’ quality of life, and nurturing skilled people. To fund this, BCP has created their own futures fund by creative accounting from the Council leaders.

Tom presented his ideas on Watford’s views and plans for growth to transform travel in Watford via their local plan and transport and economic strategy. He also discussed their vision to extend Watford town centre to create a new highly sustainable mix-use urban quarter around the junction station. Watford as a whole is looking to write their story better.

It was helpful for all the attendees to share best practices on how they are progressing their schemes. It was also an environment to share any innovative ideas that can be implemented in their respected councils/ working practice.

Watch the meetup below.

We, at Panoramic Associates, thoroughly enjoy getting insights into our specialist market sectors, other organisations and perspectives. We run these events to build our collective knowledge and provide opportunities to create a network of like-minded individuals.

If you have any suggestions on future topics for our next event or would be interested in attending, please contact Alex at a.miller@panoramicassociates.co.uk