Places programme
How transport drives economic development and shapes thriving communities, while unlocking economic potential through infrastructure-first, place-led strategies
PILLAR PARTNER
3 March, Day 1
Session 1: 11.15-12.15
➜ Interchange 1 Theatre
Valuing place outcomes, not just transport metrics
Urban regeneration fails when transport is an afterthought and succeeds when transport and place are planned as one system—not simply coordinated, but designed to enable wider outcomes such as economic renewal, thriving centres, social value and healthier communities.
The opening session in the Places Stream will move the conversation by exploring the real levers that shift practice: business cases that prioritise place, funding models that support mixed-use, people-focused development, and delivery structures that hard-wire transport into regeneration from day one.
Moderator: Adam Scott, Founder, Experience Foundation
Karl Drabble, Regional Director Eastern, Platform4
Sandeep Shingadia, Interim Executive Director, Transport for West Midlands
James Bush, Urban Design Director, Stantec
David Sheppard, Strategic Director of Place, Bradford City Council
Helen Murphy, Sector & Market Director for Rail UK & Ireland, Arcadis
John Glass, Director of Infrastructure and Projects, Translink
Session 2: 16.15-17.15
➜ Interchange 1 Theatre
Transport’s role in building engines of employment, economic growth and development
Well-connected jobs drive sustainable growth. This session explores how transport, land use, businesses and labour demand must work together to unlock employment opportunity. Using practical case studies, speakers show how transport hubs and investment frameworks can widen access to jobs, boost development and regeneration, support business growth and decarbonise travel at the same time.
Moderator: Leigh Stolworthy, Director Transport Planning, Stantec
Claire Pearce, Executive Director, Real Growth
Erika Lewis, Chief Executive, Connected Places Catapult
Bridget Rosewell, infrastructure and transport economist
David Nuttall, Director, HBD
PILLAR PARTNER
4 March, Day 2
Session 3: 13.15-14.15
➜ Interchange 1 Theatre
New towns: making “infrastructure first” real and new developments less car dependent
The next generation of new towns offers both opportunity and challenge. To deliver a sustainable approach to movement it is essential to embed infrastructure and therefore movement habits and behaviours up-front. This session will explore how we can support and deliver adaptable, proportional, sustainable mobility in new communities, through infrastructure-first principles and place-based design.
Confirmed and invited speakers include:
Moderator: Jane Beckett, Associate Planning Director, Stantec
Joanne Neville, National Planning Director, Harworth Group
Graham Grant, Acting CEO, Active Travel England
Helen Ellerton, Head of Transport Policy, West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Fionnuala Lennon, Head of Garden Communities, Homes England