Built Environment Conference plots county’s path to 2050

As the county looks to deliver the Lancashire 2050 long-term strategic plan, a September conference will explore the role that the built environment will play.

Built Environment Conference 2023: Building Towards Lancashire 2050 has been organised by Lancashire Business View and is supported by Blackpool Council and Harrison Drury Solicitors.

It will take place at Blackpool Football Club on 28 September.

With guest speakers, interviews and debate featuring specialists from across the sector, the event will give attendees detailed insight into property, construction, projects and pipelines.

Themes will include economic prosperity, transport and infrastructure, climate, housing, employment, skills, communities and place.

Additional topics which will play into the success of Lancashire 2050 will also be addressed, such as ESG, Levelling Up and Lancashire’s heritage, with repurposing of building stock essentials.

The Conference will also explore the town’s own ambitious £2bn+ Growth and Prosperity Programme, focused around three major investments:

Regenerating the town centre and the Talbot Gateway Central Business District.
The £300m Blackpool Central leisure development.
The £300m of development at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

Nick Gerrard, who will speak at the event, is growth and prosperity programme director at Blackpool Council. He said: “We’re proud to work alongside Lancashire Business View again and sponsor this year’s Built Environment Conference, where we can discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the sector and the county.

“I look forward to talking through how in Blackpool we’re leading the way in regenerating one of the favourite Lancashire towns to improve it for local people and businesses. Blackpool Football Club is also a fitting location, as the club is a key partner in one of our seven Town Deal projects at the Revoe Sports Village.”

John Chesworth, who is executive chairman of Harrison Drury, is the second confirmed speaker so far. He said: “Working so closely with the property sector in Lancashire, we see every day the huge strides being made in areas like ESG, social value and decarbonisation.

“Lancashire Business View’s Built Environment conference will bring together people and businesses across the sector to ensure we’re all fully behind efforts to build a sustainable future. That’s why we’re proud to support the conference once again.”

Richard Slater, chairman of Lancashire Business View, said: “The Lancashire 2050 plan affects all residents and all businesses and the built environment sector will play a vital role in making it a reality.

“This event is for those that work in and support the sector and all who those who are affected by its decisions and activities including: property consultants, construction firms, local authorities, supply chain, professional services, marketing and PR and media.

“Live and in-person, we’ll bring you face-to-face interviews and panel conversations. And there’ll be plenty of time away from the formal proceedings for you to forge new contacts and start the relationships that create the workflow with networking opportunities and exhibition.”

Further speakers to be announced shortly.

The event will be reviewed in full in Lancashire Business View’s Property Report in its November-December edition and shared with 50,000 readers in print and online.