The University of Southampton is co-hosting a national gathering of civic leaders, universities, policymakers, businesses and cultural organisations to discuss new approaches to creating more successful places.
i-PLACE 26 , which takes place from 20 to 22 October, will explore how cities, towns and neighbourhoods can deliver not only economic growth and better public services, but also the culture, identity, and resilience that help communities to thrive.
Hosted in partnership with Southampton City Council, i-PLACE 26 has Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund as strategic partners.
The event is organised by the Key Cities Innovation Network (KCIN) , which brings universities together with the national Key Cities network to develop new approaches to the challenges and opportunities facing towns and cities. The programme brings together an influential line-up of civic, cultural and academic leaders from across the UK.
University of Southampton speakers include Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery CBE , Professor Jane Falkingham CBE Vice President of Engagement and International and Chair of the Key Cities Innovation Network, Professor John Denham , Director of the Centre for English Identity and Politics and former Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, and Professor of Sustainable Energy, AbuBakr Bahaj .
They'll be joined by:
- Baroness Jo Valentine, Co-Director of Place at Business in the Community
- Ben Derbyshire, former President of RIBA and Chair of HTA Design
- Darren Henley CBE, Chief Executive of Arts Council England
- Taryn Nixon OBE, National Lottery Heritage Fund Trustee & Chair for England, London & South
- James Ömer Bridge, Secretary-General and CEO of UNESCO UK
- Cllr Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council
- Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen
- Jillian Kay, Chief Executive of Southampton City Council
- Cllr Vince Maple, Chair of Key Cities and Leader of Medway Council
The conference comes at a time when place is becoming increasingly central to national policy, with growing emphasis on devolution, neighbourhood empowerment and the role of local partnerships in driving growth and opportunity.
Across three days, i-PLACE 26 will examine the contribution of culture and heritage to successful places; the role of citizens in shaping their neighbourhoods; and practical innovations emerging from collaborations between cities, universities and other partners.
The programme culminates on Thursday 22 October with the first Key Cities Symposium, chaired by Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council and Chair of Key Cities. Focusing on Resilient Places, the Symposium will explore how cities and their partners can respond to the challenges of climate adaptation and the resilience of culture and heritage.
University of Southampton Vice Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery CBE said: "I'm very proud to be hosting this important national conversation in Southampton. I'm still relatively new to the city, but I've already been struck by how ambitious Southampton is and how much pride people have in the city.
"As a university, we want to bring the full strength of our research, education and innovation to work with our partners around a shared ambition for the region. One in which everyone can belong, contribute and thrive."
Professor Jane Falkingham CBE Vice President of Engagement and International at the University of Southampton and Chair of the Key Cities Innovation Network, said: "Place is where national ambitions ultimately have to work - in our cities, neighbourhoods and communities. i-PLACE brings universities together with local government, national partners, business and communities to connect research with practical experience.
"Our ambition is to build a national platform through which places can learn from one another, develop new approaches and turn innovation into better outcomes for the people who live there."
Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council and Chair of Key Cities, said: "One of Key Cities' greatest strengths is bringing together civic leaders, universities, businesses and communities to share experiences and learn from one another. Across our network, we see innovative solutions to many of the same challenges. And events such as i-PLACE, developed by Key Cities Innovation Network and hosted by our member Southampton this year, provide an important opportunity to turn those ideas into practical action.
"At a time of significant change for local government, it is more important than ever that we focus on outcomes for our places, residents and communities. If we want to drive economic growth, tackle inequalities and create opportunities for future generations, we have to start with strong local places. That means creating places that are liveable and lovable, giving people the confidence and opportunity to thrive."
i-PLACE 26 takes place in Southampton from 20-22 October 2026. Programme and further information: www.i-place.uk
