The Inaugural Engaging New and Emerging Communities Conference was hosted at Storey’s Field Eddington on October 5th. It brought together approximately 80 participants from various sectors, including planners, faith groups, charities, developers, and community development professionals. The event, organised by Urban&Civic, Cambridgeshire County Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, and Cambridge City Council, focused on fostering community in large-scale developments.
The conference addressed the crucial challenge of creating vibrant communities within new spaces, examining best practices and innovative approaches to community building. Attendees engaged in discussions about the complexities of bringing people together while navigating the frameworks established by planning, local government, health, and education institutions.
Keynote speaker Cormac Russell, a renowned community development expert, delivered an inspiring address on the significance of empowering communities. He emphasised the need for facilitators to support communities in identifying and fulfilling their own needs, rather than relying solely on institutional solutions. Following his speech, Russell led a workshop that encouraged participants to discuss the broader challenges faced by those responsible for nurturing community ties.
The afternoon sessions featured workshops covering a range of topics, including governance, community engagement, youth work, and meanwhile uses of land until development comes forward. These workshops provided further opportunities for participants to delve into the key themes of the day and explore collaborative solutions.
The Engaging New and Emerging Communities Conference successfully highlighted the importance of community in new developments and fostered valuable connections among attendees, paving the way for future collaboration. One attendee commented, “I am from a brand-new residents’ association, newly formed with a lot to do. This day inspired me to work hard in helping our community to thrive.”
For more information about the conference or to learn more about the initiatives discussed, please contact: hello@waterbeachwb.co.uk
