Shaping the future of Greater Manchester: clean, green, healthy

With ambitions to be a carbon neutral city region by 2038, Greater Manchester wants to be known for its flourishing environment as well as its economic success. There are significant challenges to this such as road congestion and air quality, but there are also opportunities with the development of low carbon transport, the integration of new technologies for better performing buildings, and the adoption of green infrastructure. What pathways can we create to deliver a more liveable city that gives back to its people and nature? What commitment and action do we need to take now to create the foundations for a thriving and resilient community: a greener Greater Manchester?

Please join AECOM and a panel of industry experts to debate the ambitions of the Greater Manchester Spatial Plan and Local Industrial Strategy, considering:

• Can we enhance the city’s natural capital assets to support green growth?
• How can Greater Manchester integrate active travel with green movement corridors?
• What will our buildings and communities of tomorrow need to look like to enable a carbon neutral city region by 2038?
• How do we bring our communities on a low carbon journey – making the choices easier?
• Do we need a Green Infrastructure Greater Manchester strategy?
• Will a Clean Air Plan go far enough?
• Is it possible to enable development without impacting the green belt?

Speakers and panellists

Chris Boardman MBE (keynote speaker) | Chris Boardman MBE is a former racing cyclist. He won World and Olympic titles as well as leading the Tour de France on three occasions. Since retirement, as well as media work, he set up Boardman Bikes and has built the worlds first sports-specific wind tunnel. He is now Greater Manchester’s first Cycling and Walking Commissioner.

Rachael O’Donnell (chair) | Director, AECOM

Bev Taylor | Director of Environment, Bruntwood

Dr Ian Philips | Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds

Nick Helm | Infrastructure Partner, Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP

Shamit Gaiger | Director of Strategic Advisory – Transport, AECOM

Who should attend?

This debate will engage local policymakers, local government, developers, investors and construction consultants. Plus all those interested in the broader economic and infrastructure challenges that will impact the future of the built environment in Greater Manchester.

This panel session is the third in a series of debates which will explore the key messages emerging through the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework and the Greater Manchester Local Industrial Strategy. Looking at how a cohesive response to both strategies can underpin the ongoing transformation of the region as a thriving, productive, sustainable and inclusive place.

If you want to see how the first event on jobs and prosperity went, please watch the video. Also, watch the second event on homes and communities.

If you can’t make this event, please sign up to receive emails about future events in Manchester and the North West.