Cross Party Group for Towns and Town Centres ‘Planning Today for Sustainable Towns Tomorrow’

This is a hybrid event. Please register using 'online' or 'in-person' options. 

Planning Today for Sustainable Towns Tomorrow

As we look toward the future of our towns, a variety of challenges, such as urban landscape pressures and climate impact, underpin the need to reimagine, revitalise, and build towns that are both resilient and sustainable. Join us for an inspiring evening dedicated to exploring forward-thinking solutions to these challenges—ultimately reinventing our communities to meet modern demands.

This event will feature insights from experts within the Scottish Government, local authorities, and urban design, who will discuss the essential steps to shape the future of Scotland’s towns. The CPG meeting provides a valuable opportunity to engage with policymakers, industry leaders, and community advocates as we address one of Scotland's most urgent priorities: creating vibrant, sustainable towns that serve today’s residents and future generations alike.

Agenda

17:00 Arrival | In-person Guests escorted to room (coffee served from 17:30)

17:35 Welcome and CPG business: Katy Clark MSP, Deputy Convener

17:40 Discussion Introduction: Kimberley Guthrie, Chief Officer, Scotland’s Towns Partnership

17:45 David Cowan, Head of Regeneration, Architecture and Place Unit at Scottish Government

Picking up on high level policy developments and regulatory frameworks guiding sustainable development, from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) guidelines to Local Development Plans (LDPs), David will highlight strategies to address the critical need for resettlements of vulnerable coastal towns and innovative approaches to land reclamation.

17:55 Henry McKeown, Design Director, jmarchitects

Henry’s contribution highlights land reclamation and repurposing efforts, using the inspiring redevelopment of Ardrossan’s coastline as an example of regeneration that addresses both environmental and community needs.

18:05 Iain Ross, Economic Development Manager and Victoria Nelson, Economic Development Project Manager, South Lanarkshire Council

Iain and Victoria will provide insights from the evolution of East Kilbride, Scotland’s first new town and its transition to meet the needs of today’s users, ensuring it remains vibrant, functional, and sustainable.

18:15 Discussion
18:25 AOB
18:30 Close of Meeting

Privacy

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