This conference, organised jointly by the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS) and the Scottish Civic Trust (SCT) will explore the challenges faced by Scotland’s high streets and smaller town centres. Speakers will examine projects and schemes aimed at regenerating high streets and the conference will bring together experts on the subject tackling the issue from a range of perspectives. This is a rare chance to hear from people working at the cutting-edge of practice and policy.
The keynote address will be given by Professor Leigh Sparks, Chair of Scotland's Towns Partnership.
See full information here and book via Eventbrite.
Agenda
9.30 am Delegate registration and tea/coffee
Morning Session
Why do we need the High Street?
Opening remarks Colin McLean, Chair, SCT
The architectural value of the High Street
Simon Green, President, AHSS
The High Street as the centre of community
Dr Susan O’ Connor, Director, SCT
Keynote address: Thinking the unthinkable
Professor Leigh Sparks, Deputy Principal and Professor of Retail Studies, University of Stirling; Chair, Scotland’s Towns Partnership
Afternoon Session
What else works?
Public money: conservation area regeneration schemes and townscape heritage initiatives – Lessons learned
Ewan Curtis, Regeneration Principal Officer, Glasgow City Council
Public money: repopulating the High Street – the Empty Homes Partnership
Diarmaid Lawlor, Director of Place, Architecture and Design Scotland
Coffee / networking
People: community take-over of the High Street
Evie Copland, Board Member, the Stove Network
People: Ayr’s Day O’ the Deid – a case study in vibrancy through ceremony
Leona Stewart, Artist, Bright Light Arts
Discussion and closing remarks Martin Robertson, Chair, AHSS
Drinks reception