On 19-20 October over 150 delegates, from across the country, came to Birmingham for the annual Civic Voice Conference. Although most of the city is a building site, drenched in sunlight and with clear blue skies, it was the perfect location to debate and discuss ‘How do we balance conservation and regeneration?’.

The first day began with Andrew Fuller, BCC City Design Manager, at the Breakfast Briefing. Keynote speakers presented throughout the day, including Ben Derbyshire (RIBA President), Victoria Hills (RTPI CEO), Deborah Lamb (Historic England CEO) and an outstanding Sandys Lecture by Dame Fiona Reynolds on ‘The Fight for Beauty’.

Our Friday evening dinner was held in St Phillip’s Cathedral and everyone enjoyed a curry alongside a pint of Civic Pride. A great venue, with great food and great company!

On the second day we had workshops, walking tours and even a bit of canoeing along the best of Birmingham’s canals. The conference closed with us planting our Centenary tree, with Birmingham Trees for Life, in the City Gardens behind the Library of Birmingham. 

Initial feedback from those that attended has been incredibly positive, both about the conference and our city, of which we can be very proud.

Thank you to all our members who helped plan and deliver an outstanding conference! 

Thanks also to all of the conference sponsors for their support – Donald Insall Associates, Recclesia, Mott MacDonalds, Wilmott Dixon and Building Brum.