Gensler/ULI UIN Roundtable

27 April 2011

A Gensler and ULI Urban Investment Network Roundtable:

Open Space in London, an Asset without a Champion? 

20 May 2011

9:00-11:00am

Breakfast will be provided at this meeting

Hosted by:

Gensler

Aldgate House

33 Aldgate High Street

London EC3N 1AH

UK

Overview:

This joint seminar hosted by Gensler and the ULI Urban Investment Network, will address the critical issue of public open space in growing cities.  As cities grow and increase their density, important commercial and environmental goals can be achieved through more intensive use of land; however, the quality of open space and links to wellbeing, amenity, and long term value can be compromised.  So how do we grow successful cities while increasing levels of public, and indeed private, open space?

Traditionally, London has had strong guardians of open space, with the Royal Parks, City Corporation, Bridge House Trust, and the Great Estates playing critical roles in leading, managing, financing and maintaining open space across the capital.  In the modern moment, a new cycle of open space champions must emerge to join the traditional providers and the Olympic Park Legacy Company with other new providers to continue to make London "the best city on earth".

This breakfast seminar will address the twin challenges that will place London in a leadership role on public open space globally.  Firstly, how can the value of open space be recognised in the business models of public and private organisations that own and develop land so that there is both leadership and continuous investment in open space in London?  Who will these leaders be? Second, what standards, methods, and innovations should we embrace to make London's open space world class?  How can we win the open space quest comprehensively?

5-10 Minutes Introduction

15-20 Minutes What is the open space challenge for London?

15-20 Minutes How can London’s open space become a global asset?

Roger Madelin, Joint Chief Executive, Argent (invited)

Remaining Time Open Discussion / Key Questions:

• How will the current environment of growth with austerity threaten London's open space?
• How well is existing open space performing and are we maintaining and creating enough of it?
• What is the cost of not addressing the open space challenge in London?
• What lessons from London's past can be used in the present?
• From where should leadership come?
• What are the public and private business models that will support open space?
• Is there a role for BIDs or other similar vehicles?
• Who should be the champions of open space?

* Please note: Event is by Invitation Only

(please contact Sarah Nemecek at snemecek@uli.org for more information)