Greg Clark MP backs Design Council’s new cities programme

Design Council’s pioneering City Design Support programme has been backed today by Greg Clark, Minister for Science, Universities and Cities.

Design Council CEO John Mathers shares the stage today with Greg Clark MP to discuss the role design has to play in supporting cities’ growth, and how an innovative strategic programme of design support can deliver sustainable economic growth.

To tackle the challenges modern cities face, Design Council has developed a pioneering system of support combining local knowledge and world-class expertise, aiming to generate infrastructure development, deliver affordable new homes and stimulate local economic growth.

MIPIM UK will host the discussion exploring how the City Design Support programme - currently being piloted by Oxford City Council, will create vibrant, good quality places where businesses want to locate and invest, and where people want to live, work and visit.

I encourage other cities across the country to look at how they could use the Design Council’s new Cities programme.

Greg Clark, Minister for Science, Universities and Cities

Greg Clark, Minister for Science, Universities and Cities, said:  “A proactive approach to planning and development is the key to unlocking the potential of all our cities and is at the heart of what this government is trying to achieve. Oxford has always been a city of innovation, with a world-class reputation and I am delighted the City Council is building on this tradition by working with the Design Council to develop a holistic new approach to deliver their ambitions for locally-led growth. I encourage other cities across the country to look at how they could use - and benefit from - the Design Council’s new cities programme to help deliver housing and infrastructure, at pace and as set out in their city deals.”

Councillor Bob Price, Leader of Oxford City Council explains:

"Oxford City Council is seeking to be a world-class city for all its residents, and high-quality design in every aspect of the built environment including its public spaces is a key component in creating an environment which we can be proud of, and in which people are happy to live.”

The work of the Design Review Panel has already made a substantial contribution to key regeneration schemes in Oxford.

Councillor Bob Price, Leader of Oxford City Council

Price continues: "The work of the Design Review Panel has already made a substantial contribution to the quality of some key regeneration schemes in the city, in the short period since it was established, and we are indebted to the Design Council for the excellent support work and professional skills that have been provided to the Panel and the City Council."

Other towns and cities are also set to benefit from this approach. Design Council will be sharing best practice from this new programme to support other councils with limited resources to tackle the challenges of bringing forward the right type of high-quality development, in the right place at the right time.

Find out more

Find out more about the Design Council's new Cities programme and the Oxford Design Review Panel (ODRP).