Policy makers, academics and practitioners to discuss the role of an ‘Urban University’

An international conference focusing on the ‘Urban University’ and its role in civic life is being hosted by the University of Northampton’s Collaborative Centre for the Built Environment (CCBE) on 2 and 3 July 2015.

The purpose of the two-day conference is to bring together policy makers, academics and practitioners, including civil leaders, to critically examine these place making connections and relationships so the potential and limitations of universities and their towns can be explored.

As part of the University Town Northampton (UTN) project, the conference will look at two over-arching themes:

The role of universities in civic stewardship and place making in medium sized towns and cities;
The ‘urban campus’ – its spatial, environment and place making role in civic life and success.
Contributors include speakers from the UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Canada.

Sabine Coady Schaebitz, Director of the CCBE, commented: “The future of Northampton as a flourishing University Town is being underpinned by the move to the new town centre campus and we are very excited that our conference will bring many distinguished speakers and participants to Northampton to discuss how universities can contribute to urban success and civic life.”

The conference will take place at the Guildhall in Northampton and is supported by the University of Northampton, Northampton Borough Council and Northamptonshire County Council.