
Creating resilience in digital infrastructure
The government has announced that it is investing £1.5 million into trialling innovative transport projects to find new ways of using data to cut congestion on England's roads and promote the decarbonisation of our transport network. The funding forms park of the Govtech Catalyst, a £20 million fund to help councils and SMEs to promote trial projects and solve local transport issues through tech, reducing the cost to the UK economy resulting from congestion. Whether commuting

Infrastructure investment for city prosperity
CGI of North Westgate development in Peterborough (Chapman Taylor Architects), North West of the Cathedral 'Infrastructure 2020' Future Cities Forum analysed the importance of investment and at differing scales for the economic prosperity of the UK with lead speakers Dyan Crowther, CEO of HS1 and Matthew Vickerstaff, Deputy Chief Executive of the Infrastructure & Projects Authority. Our second panel discussion progressed this with comment from TfL's Head of City Planning, Ale

Airports and rail stations as cultural gateways
Holland Boulevard at Schipol Airport with Dutch art on display from the Rijksmuseum's collection Why are airports and railway stations building sustainable hubs for culture, sport and science? What economic impact will this have for cities? Once established, how do they remain as global icons? These were questions that were asked at our 'Infrastructure 2020' forum held at Herbert Smith Freehills this month. London City Airport with its first artist in residence, is working on

New international rail routes in planning post Brexit
CEO of HS1 Dyan Crowther (above left) joins Future Cities Forum 'Infrastructure 2020' with FCF Co-founder Heather Fearfield Future Cities Forum was delighted that Dyan Crowther, CEO of HS1, opened our 'Infrastructure 2020' forum, discussing the economic, environmental and social impact of high speed rail. High Speed 1 holds the concession to own and operate the high speed railway as well as running the stations along the route, including one of the very few that merits icon s

HS2 fires demand for project leadership upgrade
Matthew Vickerstaff speaks at Future Cities Forum 'Infrastructure 2020' at Herbert Smith Freehills The head of the government's project finance profession, Matthew Vickerstaff (who is Deputy CEO at the Infrastructure & Projects Authority) joined a panel discussion at our 'Infrastructure 2020' event at Herbert Smith Freehills. Speaking on the morning of the HS2 project commitment announcement, Matthew spoke about how project delivery needs to improve. He said: 'Is it right we

The power of history over future master planning
Princesshay mixed use and open public space with Exeter Cathedral in background ( Architects:Chapman Taylor) The power of historic landmarks to dictate future master planning is a topic we will be discussing at the Architectural Association on March 25. At our recent roundtable on cultural infrastructure in cities, Guardian journalist Sir Simon Jenkins voiced his understanding of the value of historic buildings and streets to the wellbeing of people. He stated: 'In any city i

Infrastructure 2020 - key speakers and debates
We are delighted to be holding our 'Infrastructure 2020' forum at Herbert Smith Freehills' London headquarters next to Liverpool Street Station at Exchange House, Primrose Street. This leading global law firm - placed in the UK's top ten law firms in 2019 - has advised on many major infrastructure and real estate projects, including the £4.2 London Tideway Super Sewer where it advised the Bazalgette Consortium on its successful bid to undertake the financing, constructing, op

The art and science of master planning
Sheppard Robson CGI of Chrisp Street regeneration in London E14 with Poplar HARCA and Telford Homes Our March forum at the Architectural Association, Bedford Square, London, looks at the 'science' of master planning our towns and cities and flows on from the insight on new developments provided at our 'Infrastructure 2020' event this month. We will be featuring several important city master plans that act as examples of excellent practice within the built environment industry

Shackleton's sledge and flag export ban for UK arts and culture
Carvings on main entrance front of Exeter Cathedral What importance should be put on saving particular historic objects for our national museums and visiting exhibitions, and therefore the artistic and cultural experiences that enrich our lives? Recently, great interest was raised by the saving of Saint Thomas a Becket's casket, to be put on display at Peterborough Cathedral. Similarly, the recent award to Exeter of UNESCO City of Literature status because of its library and

Chapman Taylor at 'Infrastructure 2020'
Trinity shopping centre Leeds (Chapman Taylor) We are delighted that Tim Partington, Main Board Director UK at Chapman Taylor, will be speaking at our 'Infrastructure 2020' forum this month in London. Tim has been at Chapman Taylor since 1986 and joined the LLP Main Board in 2006. As an owner he takes an active role in shaping the strategic direction and growth of the business alongside the other members of the Main Board. He was responsible for establishing Chapman Taylor's