City's transformation set to take centre stage

A North East city is set to showcase its transformation and growth.

Sunderland will host the Delivering the Future City conference on 14 and 15 October at City Hall, drawing national attention to its regeneration and innovation efforts. 

Now in its third year, the event, which will be chaired by Mark Easton, former Home Editor at the BBC, will bring together government leaders, investors, developers, academics and business professionals to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping modern UK cities.

Delivered in partnership with the University of Sunderland and the British Council for Offices (BCO), the conference will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions and roundtables covering topics such as planning reform, housing delivery, placemaking, infrastructure, city centre revitalisation and workforce skills. 

Professor Milan Radosavljevic, deputy vice chancellor (commercial) at the University of Sunderland, said: “As sponsors of Expo Sunderland we’re looking forward to once again supporting this important event.

“We’re really proud to be part of a city on such a fantastic trajectory. 

“Alongside our strong focus on preparing students for professions and careers in critical and emerging sectors, we’re committed to the development of research, innovation and knowledge exchange that will create opportunities for everyone who lives, works and studies here.”

Alex Stork, chair of the BCO North committee, added: “We’re incredibly proud to be collaborating with Expo Sunderland to deliver this landmark event.

“The city is truly bucking the trend in terms of investment and is delivering leading-class office spaces, which are driving the regeneration of Sunderland. 

“We’re looking forward to evolving the conversation about the role of workplaces and how they are fostering city centre economic growth.”

Over 200 industry leaders are expected to attend each day, with contributions from around 20 speakers and panellists.

Ahead of the main event, a roundtable on October 13 will explore new models for city development and help frame the conference discussions. 

The event will also preview the Key Cities Network report, Turbocharging Housebuilding in Cities and Urban Areas, due to be launched in Parliament on October 15.

Delegates will examine how Sunderland’s City Plan and the North East Combined Authority’s Local Growth Plan align with national growth ambitions, highlighting the city as a prime investment location. 

Flagship projects such as Riverside Sunderland, the Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy and major infrastructure schemes such as the Keel Crossing demonstrate the city’s commitment to smart, sustainable and inclusive regeneration.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, regeneration and business, added: “Sunderland is increasingly held up as a city that is not only ambitious about its future, but actively driving change at a pace not seen for generations. 

“There is no mistaking that Sunderland is on an upward trajectory, with rapid regeneration that absolutely aligns with Government ambitions, and this event will showcase that to influential leaders from across the UK, ensuring we continue to attract public and private sector partnerships that deliver for us.” 

Supported by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the conference aims to position Sunderland as a model for future cities, fostering collaboration, investment and innovative solutions for urban growth.

For more information, visit Expo Sunderland or follow Expo Sunderland on LinkedIn.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →