RTPI: Town Centres

With the economy continuing to strengthen, both convenience and comparison goods retailers remain under pressure due to structural changes in the market, a reduction in footfall in some town centres and the continued growth in internet shopping are still materially affecting town centre performance. However, there are signs of investment in town centre schemes which shows promise that there may be a town centre renaissance occurring. Against this background, this seminar will examine the impact of the National Planning Policy Framework and associated National Planning Practice Guidance, and consider the importance of case law and appeal decisions in helping to interpret streamlined national policy. Consideration will be given to the practical application of the key retail tests in order to provide assistance to local authority officers in their consideration of applications for retail and main town centre uses.

• Legal update Paul Tucker, QC, Kings Chamber
• Reviews some of the key economic indicators facing the retail sector Paul Shuker, Director of Manchester Planning, WYG
• Provides an insight into the regeneration Masterplan and Prospectus underpinning the future direction of Ashton-under-Lyne town centre Jim Fox, Director, IBI Group
• Provides an insight in to the delivery of the flagship Baron’s Quay redevelopment of Northwich town centre Catherine Fox, Area Programme Manager, Weaver Way and Matt Brook, Director Broadway Malyan
• Provides an insight into the delivery and philosophy of Altrincham Market’s revitalisation and refurbishment Nick Johnson, Market Operations
• Provides a commercial market prospective on recent trends in the retail and leisure sectors and how the market is responding Keith Nutter, Director, Morbaine Limited
• Provides an insight into the regeneration initiatives in Oldham Town Centre including Princes Gate Roger Frith, Principal Regeneration Officer, Oldham Council

Programme

9.30 am Registration & refreshments

10.00 am Welcome and Introduction by the Chair

10.10 am Legal Update Paul Tucker, QC, Kings Chambers

10.40 am Retail Recovery? Paul Shuker, Director, WYG

11.10 am Coffee break

11.45 am Ashton-under-Lyne Masterplanned Regeneration Jim Fox, Director, IBI Group

12.15 pm Barons Quay Regeneration Catherine Fox, Cheshire West & Chester and Matt Brook, Broadway Malyan

12.45 pm Q&A

13.00 pm Lunch

2.00 pm Altrincham Market Nick Johnson, Market Operations

2.30 pm Commercial Prospective Keith Nutter, Morbaine

3.00 pm Oldham’s Princes Gate Redevelopment, Roger Frith, Oldham Council Speaker tbc

3.30 pm Q&A

3.45 pm Close

Booking your place

Click here to book on the RTPI website or download the RTPI booking form here and email it to beverley.watson@rtpi.org.uk or post it to: Bev Watson, RTPI NW Regional Co-ordinator, 2^nd Floor Emerson House, Albert St, Eccles, Salford, M30 0TE

Prices

RTPI members – £95 +VAT (£114.00)

Non-RTPI members – £100 +VAT (£120.00)

Retired RTPI members – £47.50 +VAT (£57.00)

Limited subsidised places are available for unwaged members and students on full time RTPI accredited courses – £30.00 +VAT (£36.00)

Cancellations received less than 5 working days prior to the event will be subject to a £35 charge. No refund will be given for non-attendance but substitutions are acceptable at any time.

 Contact Bev Watson on 0161 604 7799 or beverley.watson@rtpi.org.uk