City for Sale? The Commodification of Edinburgh's Public Spaces

Posted on 10 Jan 2020 by Lucy

A major public summit! Filling up fast - BOOK NOW!

One of the defining issues currently in front of the City of Edinburgh is how we value our public places. Should our parks and gardens be an oasis of green-ness and tranquility, or should they be the city’s performance hubs, the Go-To places for happening events and Festival activities? Should civic spaces be open for the unrestricted access of City dwellers and City visitors alike; or should they be a gated venue accessible only to ticket holders and promoters?

Facilitated by Journalist, Broadcaster and Presenter Stephen Jardine (BBC Scotland's Debate Night). Contributors will include: David McGillivray , Professor in Event and Digital Cultures at University of the West of Scotland (UWS). David has been involved in research exploring the role of major events in the transformation of urban space.

, Professor in Event and Digital Cultures at University of the West of Scotland (UWS). David has been involved in research exploring the role of major events in the transformation of urban space. Cliff Hague , Professor Emeritus of Planning and Spatial Development at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Past President of the Royal Town Planning Institute and of the Commonwealth Association of Planners and Chair of the Cockburn Association.

, Professor Emeritus of Planning and Spatial Development at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Past President of the Royal Town Planning Institute and of the Commonwealth Association of Planners and Chair of the Cockburn Association. Dr Michelle Hipwell , Accredited Health Psychologist and active member of the Astley Ainslie Community Trust.

, Accredited Health Psychologist and active member of the Astley Ainslie Community Trust. Mariana Trusson , Chartered Engineer who specialises in sustainable design strategy. She has building physics, health, well-being and sustainability teams for consultancies in Scotland and the North East and was the former Chair of the Edinburgh Sustainable Development Partnership.

, Chartered Engineer who specialises in sustainable design strategy. She has building physics, health, well-being and sustainability teams for consultancies in Scotland and the North East and was the former Chair of the Edinburgh Sustainable Development Partnership. Andy Wightman, MSP writer and researcher best known for his work on land ownership in Scotland. Andy is an expert on Common Good land. Entry is free, but please book to give us an idea of numbers. If you have any additional needs, or require wheelchair access, please let us know in advance.Doors will open at 18:30 for a 19:00 start.