A conference by SAVE and The Norwich Society
The Kings Centre, 63-75 King St, Norwich NR1 1PH
How can we build in historic places in ways that respect sensitive town centre heritage locations, support local communities and drive economic growth?
Join SAVE Britain’s Heritage and The Norwich Society for a day of thought-provoking presentations and discussions exploring how new development can enhance the character and value of our historic towns and cities.
Ten years on from the landmark Cathedral Cities in Peril report by Foster + Partners and Historic England, this conference brings together planners, architects, developers and conservation professionals. It’s open to anyone with an interest in the future of our built environment. Whether you work in the sector or simply care about the places around you, the day will focus on how historic cities like Norwich can attract investment, support local economies and create better places to live.
Speakers will share insights from UK and international examples, exploring public interest-led development, the role of government investment in shaping better places and the use of design codes to secure high-quality new architecture. They’ll also discuss how temporary or “meanwhile” uses can unlock the potential of neglected places.
Part of SAVE Britain’s Heritage’s 50th-anniversary year and programme of national events, this conference is a rare opportunity to hear from leading voices in planning, architecture and conservation. The event will include talks, panel discussions, Q&A sessions and guided walks, offering fresh perspectives on the role heritage plays in shaping the future.
Proudly sponsored by Urban Space Management and Selectaglaze.
Agenda
9:30 – 10:00 Arrival and coffee
10:00 – 11:25 Morning Session 1
Welcome: Introductions and setting the scene
- Henrietta Billings MRTPI - director, SAVE Britain's Heritage
- Jon Boon - chair, The Norwich Society
- Cllr Mike Stonard - leader, Norwich City Council
Learning From Place: Insights from Historic England’s Historic Places Panel on regeneration and collaboration.
- Ben Derbyshire PPRIBA FRSA HonAIA, chair, HTA Design; commissioner, Historic England
Public Interest Development: Exploring how development can serve the public good through innovative models.
- Ian Harrabin MBE MRICS - managing director, Complex Development Projects / chair, Historic Coventry Trust
- Stephanie Edwards - Founding director, Urban Symbiotics
- Eric Reynolds - director, Urban Space Management
- Q&A chaired by Ben Derbyshire
11:40 – 12:05 Break
12:05 - 12:55 Morning Session 2
Designing for Place: International and local perspectives on design quality in heritage contexts.
- Henry Wootton - associate, Mikhail Riches
- Emma Sweeney - projects manager, World Monuments Fund
- Q&A chaired by Henrietta Billings
12:55 – 1415 Lunch and optional walking tour
Historic King Street (45 minutes, places limited): A guided exploration of one of Norwich’s oldest and most dynamic historic streets.
- Jonathan Hooton and Roger Smith, walk leaders, The Norwich Society
14:15 – 17:00 Afternoon Session
Welcome back and introduction from our sponsor
- Colin Bignal, sales director, Selectaglaze
KEYNOTE: The Competitive Advantage of Place: In a global context leveraging heritage and distinctiveness as drivers of city success and investment.
- Professor Yolande Barnes - chair, Bartlett Real Estate Institute
- Q&A chaired by Henrietta Billings
Standards in Design and Placemaking: How design frameworks shape sustainable, high-quality places.
- Sunand Prasad - chair, UK Green Building Council, past president, RIBA, principal, Perkins and Will
Planning for the Long-term: Designing with heritage, climate and people in mind
- Dave Chetwyn MA, MRTPI, IHBC, FIoL, FRSA - managing director & partner, Urban Vision Enterprise
- Jim McKinney - partner, architect, Purcell Architects
- Matthew Morgan - director, Quality of Life Foundation
- Gail Mayhew - director Smart Growth Associates / co-founder, The Stewardship Initiative
- Q&A chaired by Sunand Prasad
Venue
The King’s Centre Auditorium offers step-free access, accessible toilet facilities, and a hearing loop, ensuring it is fully accessible for all attendees.
Tickets
Tickets are £45 pp for the general public. Your ticket includes entrance to the full day conference and an optional lunchtime tour (limited places), as well as refreshments from 9:30am, and a sandwich buffet lunch.
Concession tickets are available at £35 pp.
