Welcome to Urban Optimism
How do you achieve better outcomes from existing assets and infrastructure? Urban Optimism is a series of events that explores the opportunities for regeneration and economic growth through focused investment.
Delivering value from development at lower cost: Reality or Holy Grail?
At a seminar on ‘Planning and Sustainable Development’ held by PBA and Boyes Turner LLP in Reading on 27th March 2012, Paul Maryan discussed how tightening Building Regulations up to 2006 had already reduced carbon emissions from new residential developments by around 70%.
Is sustainability coming of age?
There is an increasing and clear focus on sustainability in global board rooms. according to a study by
Peter Lacy of Accenture. The drivers for this, says the report, include the use of more sustainable approaches to reduce costs, and the increasing importance of a good brand reputation associated with
being a ‘sustainable’ business.
Can CIL charges support development viability?
Methods for funding new infrastructure to improve urban environments are changing dramatically. There are several new potential funding sources around, including the New Homes Bonus and the financial incentives of Enterprise Zones promoted by Local Enterprise Partnerships. However, the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Tax Increment Financing have a particular connection with infrastructure.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Brighton study tour
Developers and public sector professionals will showcase projects and investments and discuss regeneration aspirations and opportunities during a walking tour of the city.
28 June, Brighton
Delivering Major Infrastructure
The delivery of major infrastructure is high on this Government's agenda, and the landscape within which this takes place is about to change.
The National Infrastructure Planning Association, (NIPA), is holding its National Conference on 10th May 2012. This will be an excellent place to find out more about the new regime from senior people in the sector and to share the practical issues that are being experienced by projects in development.
Keith Mitchell, Board Chairman, NIPA
May 2012
London
The Urban Optimist is a resident blogger for UK Regeneration,
advocating the potential of using infrastructure assets as a
way to simulate and sustain regeneration.
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