UK Brownfield Regeneration Summit 2026
Agenda
9:00
Registration & Networking
9:30
Welcome from Environment Analyst
9:35
Opening Remarks from the Chair
9:40
State of the Market Review ​​​​
​Despite regulatory complexity, tension between Brownfield First policies and grey‑belt development, and delayed investment decisions slowing UK construction, especially housing, there are signs of renewed momentum heading into 2026.
This opening session will examine the key market drivers and future pipeline, supported by the latest data. A panel of business leaders will also share on‑the‑ground insights into how they are managing an uncertain yet cautiously optimistic recovery.
10:30
Translating National Environmental and Planning Objectives into Investable and Deliverable Place-Based Local Development Strategies​
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Outlining priorities for effectively delivering regeneration and new home targets
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Working collaboratively in partnership with local authorities, developers and other stakeholders to enable place-based development strategies
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Leveraging available tools, resources and investment to unblock land, drive innovation and accelerate delivery
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Linda Raynor, Senior Director – Head of Regeneration, Local Partnerships
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11:00
Morning Refreshments & Networking​​
11:25
Harnessing Sources and Mechanisms of Financing Available for Contaminated Land Redevelopment and Urban Regeneration
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Reviewing the financing sources available for de-risking sites and enabling brownfield regeneration, including Government funding, grants and tax incentives:
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which types of organisations or projects they are applicable for
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Exploring the effective use of insurance and risk management approaches to unlock complex and challenging sites
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Strategies for mobilising funding into operational delivery, what are the key obstacles and enablers?
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David Crook, Brownfield Land Release Fund Programme Lead, One Public Estate, Local Government Association
11:55
Development Case Studies: Waverley, The Advanced Manufacturing Park and Simpson Park
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As these three developments are reaching their final stages, Michael will present a summary of the development process from the early stages; focusing on Harworth Group’s work to create and develop these sustainable places from brownfield sites and their historic land use.
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The presentation will cover some of the major technical challenges and solutions on each site and how these are aligned with the ongoing process of developing a sustainable community and creating value for all stakeholders.
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Michael Brown, Technical Director, Harworth
12.20
Achieving a Holistic Approach to Unlocking Value and Transforming Brownfield Sites
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Michael’s presentation will then lead into a panel discussion exploring how taking a holistic approach and integrating a range of place-making and economic drivers into the planning and design of development projects from the outset, as well as ensuring the early engagement of all stakeholders, can transform contaminated or previously industrialised land into vibrant, sustainable spaces that benefit the environment and local communities, are more climate-resilient and influence longer-term positive change.
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Michael Brown, Technical Director, Harworth
Mark Graham, Director, LDA Design
James Roy, Principal Manager - DIO Estates Acquisition & Disposals, UK Ministry of Defence
13:00
Networking Lunch
14:00
Interactive Roundtable Discussion Session
This popular interactive session enables attendees to break out into small groups to discuss a pertinent topic of interest led by a facilitator.
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Roundtable topics will be confirmed soon.
14:45
Afternoon Refreshments & Networking
15.10
Practical Solutions for Advancing the Delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on Brownfield Sites​
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Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on most development sites now is mandatory, and brownfield sites present unique opportunities for achieving BNG goals, however a number of challenges still exist affecting delivery.
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This panel will discuss the success of BNG implementation currently, the implications of proposed changes to BNG as part of wider planning reforms and explore how BNG can be effectively embedded into regeneration and development projects.
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Assessing the challenges in translating BNG into project delivery on the ground, what are the key constraints and how can they be overcome?
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Identify practical support that exists to effectively embed and deliver BNG into housing and infrastructure
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Communicating the business case to all stakeholders
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Leveraging the biodiversity on brownfield sites: aligning nature with remediation strategies to maximise environmental and societal benefits
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How can BNG development targets be effectively monitored and enforced?
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Vikki Patton, Head of Nature Positive Services, Ramboll
15:50
Achieving a Circular Economy Approach to Development to Minimise Waste, Reduce Costs & Meet Housing & Development Targets
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Reviewing relevant policy guidance and regulation affecting the classification, management and reuse of waste soil and materials on development sites
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implications of NPPF2025 and the Circular Economy Taskforce report
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update on DoWCoP 3
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next steps from the OEP project examining the risks, blockers and opportunities to implementation of the waste hierarchy
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Practical strategies for embedding materials planning and management into development design and remediation strategies from the outset:
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ensuring early engagement with all stakeholders to incorporate existing soil, demolition and excavation materials into local and master planning
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effectively identifying and classifying materials available for re-use
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Reviewing the use of tools and guidance to help with reducing waste, including:
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soil passports
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digital waste tracking
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aggregate washing and reuse and “urban quarries”
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Aligning regulation and innovation to achieve effective materials management and waste minimisation
Richard Moakes, Managing Consultant Environment & Health, Ramboll
16:30
Closing Remarks from the Chair
Close of Summit followed by a Networking Drinks Reception
