The Future of Birmingham’s Gay Village
A Panel Discussion on Redevelopment, Inclusion, and the LGBTQ+ Community
📅 Date: 10th April 2025
📍 Venue: RICS, Birmingham
⏰ Time: 17:30
🎟 Free Event – Registration Required
About the Event
Birmingham’s Gay Village is a key part of the city’s identity—a vibrant hub for the LGBTQ+ community, rich in history, culture, and nightlife. However, with major redevelopment plans, including the £1.9 billion Smithfield Birmingham scheme, the future of the area is at a crossroads.
Join Building Equality and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) for an insightful panel discussion exploring how urban development is shaping the Gay Village and what this means for businesses, residents, and visitors. We’ll hear from professionals involved in planning, transport, law, and development as we discuss how to balance growth with protecting the spaces that matter.
We are delighted to be hosting this event at RICS and extend our thanks for their support.
Our Speakers
We are pleased to welcome a diverse panel of professionals with expertise in masterplanning, development policy, transport strategy, and urban governance:
- Charis Blythe – Principal Development Planner at Birmingham City Council
- James Hoskinson – Principal Development Planning Officer at Birmingham City Council
- Selina Mason – Director of Masterplanning & Strategic Design at Lendlease
- Ben Simm – Team Manager, Transport Strategy and Policy at Leicestershire County Council
- Marc Forrest-Thomas – Practice Manager, Planning & Environment at No5 Chambers
Who Should Attend?
This event is ideal for anyone working in the built environment sector, including planners, architects, engineers, transport specialists, developers, and policymakers. It’s also relevant to those interested in LGBTQ+ inclusion in urban development and community spaces.
Why Attend?
Gain insights into the future of Birmingham’s city centre and its LGBTQ+ spaces
Hear from leading experts in urban planning, transport, and development
Engage in discussion and share your perspectives
Network with professionals over refreshments
Register Now
Spaces are limited, so sign up today to secure your place!
Accessibility
- There are several car parks near to the venue.
- Birmingham New Street Station is around a 20-minute walk away.
- Birmingham Snowhill Station is around a 15-minute walk away.
- The venue is accessible via taxi but there is a short walk to the venue's reception. Please do check before you travel as there are ongoing road works around the area of the offices.
The RTPI is committed to delivering inclusive events; to make sure that everyone can have the best possible experience. To help work towards being able to do this an event organiser will contact all booked participants to discuss any access needs or requirements that they might have. Contact [email protected], to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Catering
If you have any dietary requirements please contact [email protected]
This event is kindly hosted by: RICS, RTPI and Building Equality
