Arnolfini to Host Mayoral Debate on Construction and the Built Environment
Posted: 17th October 2012
Bristol mayoral candidates will go head to head to debate construction, infrastructure, housing and the city’s built environment in a breakfast hustings event at Arnolfini chaired by David Garmston of BBC Points West.
Hosted by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) South West, Constructing Excellence (Bristol Club) and Creating Excellence, with candidates taking part in the public debate from 8am on Friday 9 November. Candidates include Marvin Rees (LAB), Dr Jon Rogers (LIB), George Ferguson (IND), Geoff Gollop (CON) and Daniella Radice (Green).
Members of the public are invited to attend this free event with the opportunity to quiz candidates –
one of whom could become the most influential person in the city, representing Bristol on the national and world stage with a mandate to deliver innovation and change.
Trish Johnson of the Institution of Civil Engineers and CIC South West said: “It is clear by the popularity of this event so far, that there is a real interest in how Bristol will develop in the future.
This is the ideal opportunity to debate critical issues concerning this with our mayoral candidates.”
The debate will include discussion on the future development of the public realm of the city; the role of the construction and property sector; planning; infrastructure; housing; local procurement as well as the impact and role of the mayor in the development of the Temple Quay Enterprise Zone.
Bristol is one of the UK’s largest cities, but has it achieved its potential for high quality, sustainable, well-designed buildings, infrastructure, housing and public spaces to rival European counterparts? The debate will ask what the new mayor might do to tackle under-achievement and barriers to success in these areas.
Candidates will be challenged on Bristol’s major issues, such as public transport; and the local planning system. What actions would the candidates take in these areas to enable innovation, construction and job growth creating the right balance of housing and public spaces for Bristol’s
citizens?
Chaired by David Garmston of BBC Points West, this public event will attract an audience of construction and property industry professionals, developers, construction companies, property consultants, local people and stakeholders with an interest in the way our city looks and develops over the next few years.
Speaking today, David Garmston of BBC Points West said: “The arrival of a directly elected mayor is the biggest shake up in local government in Bristol for generations. It could have a profound affect on the city and all of us who are privileged to live here. In an interview with me, David
Cameron said whoever is elected will have access to him at Number 10. The mayor will enjoy a lot of power and it is important that Bristolians know who the candidates are and what they stand for. I hope this debate will give people the chance to put the contenders on the spot.”
The hustings takes place on the Fifth Floor of Arnolfini, commanding fantastic panoramic views of the city of Bristol. Advanced booking is essential for this free event, if you wish to attend please visit -http://bristolmayoralhustings.eventbrite.co.uk.