Free webinars on design code success

Any local authority interested in successfully developing and implementing design codes is invited to free online events run by the Design Council from 8^th – 22^nd October 2024.

According to research from property lender Together, 49% of UK adults want to see abandoned buildings in their cities revived, however the number of unfinished developments across England give people reason to believe this won’t be happening any time soon.

This is what the Design Council’s webinars aim to address. The series is part of the latest stagy of the Design Code Pathfinder Programme, an initiative run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government in partnership with the Design Council – the UK’s national strategic advisor for design.

Three sessions are due to be held on the 8^th, 15^th and 22^nd October and are due to cover a range of topics, including:

• Resourceful coding: Maximising efficiency through collaboration – a ‘real world’ assessment of the resources required to create a successful design code and the role of cross-team collaboration in enhancing efficiency. Speakers include representatives from East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Trafford Council and architecture practice BPTW.
• Seamless integration Making design codes work for development managers – discussions about creating an accessible code that can be applied by authorities who frequently make planning decisions. Speakers include representatives from Bradford Council, Mansfield Council and the Lake District National Park Authority.
• Unlocking potential: Galvanising council objectives through codes – Exploring how design codes can support the achievement of council goals, improve planning processes and unlock wider regeneration. Speakers include representatives from Mansfield Council, Medway Council and The Lake District National Park Authority.

Edward Hobson, Director of Partnerships at the Design Council, said: ‘In attempting new and demanding tasks, it’s often best to hear from those who have already been there and understand first-hand the challenges and workarounds. Our webinars will offer participants a unique opportunity to gain those insights from the local authority Pathfinders and other key stakeholders as they reflect on their experiences in developing design codes.’

After hearing from industry-experts, each webinar will include a Q&A session. All three webinars are due to take place between 14.00 and 15.30, however if people can’t attend them live, they will be recorded and available to access on the Design Council website. This is also where booking information for the webinars can be found.

Image: Jodie Cook

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