Southampton: Panel to debate vision and strategic plan of central south

The South Coast Real Estate Network is staging a special event on April 27 - 'A Vision for the Central South...Before it's Too Late'. Key representatives include Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council and Solent University.

BDO, which is staging the event with Barclays, Blake Morgan, Lambert Smith Hampton and Barton Willmore, says: "The Central South has much to offer. Yet it continues to under-perform economically - only parts of the region make an overall contribution to the UK economy, despite its significant assets. While there are a number of positive developments taking place, a clear vision and strategic plan for infrastructure and growth could unlock opportunities and deliver greater economic competitiveness.

"In a rapidly changing and uncertain world, other cities and regions around the UK and overseas are overcoming similar constraints to ensure they are internationally competitive and open for business and investment. As a region we have to plan better for the future now."

The time has therefore come to ask some serious questions:​

• How can we find a positive solution to the south's infrastructure problems?
• How can we better play to our strengths?
• With increasing pressure for development, how can we better use development, to secure the infrastructure we need?
• What can we learn from other cities and regions about positive growth, a long term vision and planning to make it happen?
• Is it time for business leaders, the development industry, universities and local government to openly and effectively work together across the whole region to find ways of addressing the decline and overcoming our problems?
• Or, do we accept that we do not have the will or appetite to find the solutions needed and accept a less prosperous future?

This is a chance to become involved in this important discussion and help steer the Central South region toward a proper vision for its future.

For those attending, a briefing pack will be provided to help generate thoughts and questions for the event. Organisers advise early booking.

Venue: The Ageas Suite, Ageas Bowl, Botley Road, Southampton, SO30 3XH

Timing: 5pm - 7pm

The panel

An opening presentation by Robin Shepherd, partner at Barton Willmore, will set the scene.

The guest panel will then debate the issues and answer your questions. 

Chair: Prof Graham Baldwin – vice-chancellor, Solent University

Alistair Welch – director, ABP

Dawn Baxendale – chief executive, Southampton City Council

Donna Jones – leader, Portsmouth City Council

Gordon Paige – chair of Dorset LEP

To attend - and receive a briefing pack to help generate thoughts and questions prior to the event - email lyn.emery@bdo.co.uk