Economics: Brunel's Vision for 2050

If Isambard Kingdom Brunel was here today, what would he want to build? Our panel looks ahead to consider what the great civil engineer’s vision for the future of Bristol, and the UK’s infrastructure, might have been.

This Festival of Economics event will combine history, regional development, architecture and economics, as we reflect on the legacy of Brunel on the city of Bristol – and what his vision for the UKin 2050 might have been.

On the panel, Dr Chris Colvin is an expert on economic history and the interwar economy, while Barra Mac Ruairi is the chief property officer at the University of Bristol, with experience in architecture, planning and urban and regional development. Joining them is Ed Conway, economics and data editor for Sky News.

Brunel’s contribution to the city of Bristol is unparalleled, designing the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol Temple Meads Station, and working as chief engineer of the Great Western Railway. Over 150 years later, this panel will discuss infrastructure needs of the city and county, how these should be funded and what governments should prioritise – whether that be transport links, digital networks or building communities.

Please note that we are in the process of comfirming two further speakers for this panel.

This event is supported by the Economics Observatory.

This event is part of our new ticket pricing structure where we ask people to pay what they feel they can afford in accordance with their means. Read about more about it . Read on for the ticket prices for this event.

One free carer ticket can be booked at the same time for a paying disabled visitor. If you need to book more than one, please before booking to arrange.

Pay It Forward £10

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Recommended £8

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Supported £5

This option is lower than the standard price. It is subsidised by Bristol Ideas and fellow audience members who have booked at the Pay It Forward rate. This price is aimed at people who could do with support to get by.

• Is this for me? – My access to income is low and unstable and I worry about meeting my basic needs. I would select a concession rate due to my personal circumstances.

Accessibility

• Watershed’s main entrance and Box Office are both on the ground floor which is accessible via a ramped, electronically assisted entrance door.
• There are two Blue Badge parking spaces to the rear of Watershed on Canons Road.
• Guide dogs and hearing dogs are very welcome.
• The first floor of Watershed is accessible via lift from the main entrance and includes level access to all areas, including the cinemas and event spaces.
• The cinemas and event spaces have induction loops.
• There is an accessible toilet (with baby changing facilities) near Cinema 1. Follow the signs for the Cinemas and the accessible toilet is just on your left through the double doors before Cinema 1.
• There are gender neutral toilets in the cinema corridor on the first floor.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Watershed, 1 Canon's Road, Bristol, United Kingdom