Creating The Child Friendly City: Conference

As we move into the third decade of the 21st Century, it is becoming increasingly apparent that our cities are not really ‘fit-for-purpose’, or at least not great places in which to live, with the severe air pollution and traffic congestion problems that people face, as well as some of our communities if not high streets slowly declining from a lack of connectivity and community cohesion.

For our cities to become more vibrant and liveable places again, there needs to be greater focus on people, and for our streets and neighbourhoods to be designed around ‘locality’, with more lively cultural and community activities that are accessible and connected by walking and cycling, and with a particular emphasis on the needs of our children in order to become liveable, and sustainable for future generations. Designing our streets and communities around children in this way will also help to improve the physical and mental health of everyone, as well as our overall quality of life, for communities and businesses alike.

This is however a complex and difficult challenge, as there are many inter-related aspects to address, and the solution requires people from different areas and backgrounds to come together and work collaboratively towards creating a more child-friendly city. Southampton City Council, the University of Southampton, and many local community partners are committed to bringing about this change, and we would like to share our wider experiences with you, and encourage you to help us on this journey.

Join us for an informative and illuminating programme of talks and discussions, which marks the start of Southampton’s Year of the Child 2020…

Attendance is FREE and open to all

Representatives from local businesses, communities, and anyone who has an interest in creating a more vibrant, sustainable and child-friendly city in and around Southampton are particularly welcome.

This event is affiliated with the 2020 Southampton Science and Engineering Festival.

Keynote speakers

Mikael Colville-Andersen, author, urban designer and host of the documentary TV series The Life-Sized City. He is one of the leading voices in global urbanism and has worked in over 100 cities to improve urban life and tackling climate change.

Professor Stephen T. Holgate CBE, Clinical Professor of Immunopharmacology, Medical Research Council and Southampton General Hospital, and Special Adviser to the Royal College of Physicians.

With a special introduction by
Councillor Jacqui Rayment, Cabinet Member for Place and Transport, and Deputy Leader of Southampton City Council

Further information may be found on the main website: https://www.turnersims.co.uk/events/creating-the-child-friendly-city-conference/