The much anticipated ‘Urban Manifesto for Portsmouth’ that outlines the key strategies for a successful urban regeneration of the City was launched this morning (29 June).
Professionals, academics and industry representatives discussed various aspects of the future of urban planning in Portsmouth at the third Industry and Alumni Breakfast hosted by the University of Portsmouth.
The event at the LandRover BAR Headquarters was organised by the University’s Cluster for Sustainable Cities. It featured presentations from speakers who discussed various aspects of the urban future of Portsmouth and offered an important opportunity for networking and creating collaborative links between academics and external industry partners. The new Portsmouth City Centre Plan and the University Quarter Estates Masterplan were also presented and discussed.
We need to walk and cycle more and drive less, for our own health and the health of the environment, so better walking and cycling routes are essential.
There were presentations from Professor Jeremy Till (Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of the Arts London), Mark Smith (CEO of The Southern Co-operative), Claire Upton-Brown (Portsmouth City Council), Fiona Bell (University of Portsmouth) and Rupert Cook (ArchitecturePLB).
The importance of a plan for the urban regeneration of Portsmouth is gaining traction within the community. This event highlighted the main points of focus for the Sustainable Portsmouth 2030 vision. Guests enjoyed a first look at the new University Estate Masterplan which outlines the future plans of a regenerated University Quarter at the heart of the city and consists of an investment of £400m over the next 15 years.
This reflects the significant contribution the University makes to the local economy and strong continuous growth of student numbers.
Organiser and Director of the Cluster for Sustainable Cities, Professor Steffen Lehmann said: “We were pleased to discuss our exciting plans for the campus and city with a group of about 150 urban experts and decision-makers.
We were pleased to discuss our exciting plans for the campus and city with a group of about 150 urban experts and decision-makers.
“It starts with the quality of public space, connectivity and walkability, which is all of great importance for Portsmouth’s future. We need to walk and cycle more and drive less, for our own health and the health of the environment, so better walking and cycling routes are essential.”
Previous Industry Breakfast debates have focused on strategies and ideas regarding the regeneration and activation of public space, including Southsea waterfront.
Visit the University’s Cluster for Sustainable Cities webpage for more information.
The nine strategies for the urban regeneration of Portsmouth are:
- Urban culture and heritage – maintaining a unique sense of place
- A public space network for a compact, walkable and mixed-use city
- Mobility – moving around cities conveniently
- Transforming the waterfront to a resilient, future-proof city through citizen engagement
- Inclusive mixed-use urban living
- High-quality architectural design as a catalyst for a better city
- Smart citizens, smart energy
- Thinking long-term and making the most of what we have
- A vibrant University Quarter in the regenerated heart of the city