27 November 2008

Around 40 people attended the ‘Urban Renewal and Sustainability’ workshop hosted by Lorraine Dodd and Helen Gerrard at the newly refurbished Bluecoat Chambers in central Liverpool on Thursday 27 November. The theme of the workshop was urban renewal and the impact on local communities, taking the broader issues of housing, education and health into account.

Those attending heard David Houghton, estates manager at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, talk about the plans to rebuild the hospital reflecting the vision of the new “hospital in the park”, its links with the local health economy and the hope it would be an example of good practice and environmental and community sustainability.

Mark Hughes, analyst at Panmure Gordon, looked at the issues from a broader perspective, concentrating on construction and house building companies which have, over the last few years, developed more robust CSR and environmental policies on the basis that it is not only the right thing to do, but it is good for business.

The two presentations prepared the ground for a lively debate amongst participants ranging from existing clients of Rathbone Greenbank Investments, professionals interested in urban renewal, from the legal to construction sectors, as well as representatives from the health sector, Liverpool Council and local charities.

Should you require further information about the speakers or the topics covered, please contact Lorraine Dodd email lorraine.dodd@rathbones.com