Creating healthy, happy and flourishing neighbourhoods is key to the UK’s post-COVID-19 recovery, delegates at our first in-person Building Garden Communities Conference heard.

More than 200 delegates attended the conference, held at RIBA London’s headquarters at 66 Portland Place, on 24 May.

The discussions were particularly timely following the Government’s announcement of £15million funding to support the delivery of thousands of new homes through the Garden Communities programme.

Keynote speakers including Stuart Andrew, Minister of State for Housing, Fionnuala Lennon, Homes England, and Dr Wei Yang, shared their thoughts on how garden communities can support levelling up and deliver sustainable neighbourhoods.

Delegates also heard from experts and key stakeholders at a series of panel discussions on topics including creating net zero communities, delivering social value and flexible working.

Naisha Polaine, Director of Harlow and Gilston Garden Town, said: “An excellent event and superb job bringing the garden communities together – thank you Bonnie Stephensmith, Natasha Cobley, Brian Horton, Richard Davidson and great to catch up with so many colleagues and meet more than a few ones – let’s do it again soon!”

Zubin Masters, Director of Bond Bryan Ltd, added: “I thought it was a really good event and clearly well attended.

“There were some really interesting and thought-provoking conversations both on the various panels and in the breaks.”

Watch highlights from the conference here, https://gardencommunities.co.uk/building-garden-communities-conference-roundup-video/, and read a round-up of the conference sessions by following this link.