National Urban Design Conference 2025

Delivering Urban Design Quality for Everyone

Practical Solutions for Cities, Towns and Neighbourhoods

Ipswich Waterfront | Photograph: Robert Huxford (Shared Use)

In an era of tight budgets, housing crisis, and climate emergency, how can we create great places that are vibrant, inclusive, sustainable and resilient?

This year’s National Urban Design Conference addresses this urgent question – exploring how excellence in urban design can be achieved not just in major cities which attract the lion's share of high-profile schemes and investent, but in every town and community.

Featuring powerful case studies from Ipswich and the local area, alongside examples from across the UK and beyond, we will examine innovative and practical approaches to tackle today’s challenges and create thriving towns and cities that foster well-being and opportunity for all

As ever, the National Urban Design Conference welcomes everyone who cares about the quality of life in out cities, towns and neighbourhoods – regardless of profession, discipline, or background. So please join us, share your vision, and be part of the movement for better urban design.

The conference will take place at DanceEast (Jerwood DanceHouse) on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 October, with evening events at Christchurch Mansion and Ipswich Town Hall Council Chamber on the Thursday.  There will also be fringe activities taking place on Wednesday 1 and Saturday 4 October.

Further details of the programme and booking information will be available in early June.