Guangzhou Urban Planning Association

Urban Conservation and Development

Cambridge International Land Institute is pleased to be hosting a study visit by a group of urban planners and real estate professionals from the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. Guangzhou is a rapidly growing city and faces many challenges in terms of accommodating urban growth and protecting both its historical and cultural heritage and the physical environment. At the same time, the urban land market has evolved rapidly over the past 25 years and the private sector is extremely active in construction, development and investment.

The aim of the course is to give the delegates an opportunity to study some of the ways in which Britain has approached issues of urban conservation and development, to discuss matters of mutual interest with UK experts and to consider comparisons and contrasts between urban planning challenges and policies in two very different countries. The course will include lectures and discussions in Cambridge, with a variety of academics and professionals involved in different public and private sector roles, and visits to a number of cities and towns, including Peterborough, Stamford, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Ely and London.

The programme is arranged in conjunction with the Guangzhou Urban Planning Association. From the UK side, the course leader will be Dr Derek Nicholls, former director of the Institute who has made a number of visits to China, including giving a seminar course in Guangzhou in 2004. An interpreter who will translate all lectures and assist on all site visits and tours will accompany the group.

After the 10-day residential course based in Cambridge, the Chinese delegates will be visiting many other British cities, including Edinburgh, and the whole programme ends with a half-day discussion and review of conclusions immediately prior to departure from the U.K.