Refurbish Don't Demolish Launch - In Person

Refurbish Don't Demolish Launch Event

All welcome to the first annual conference of Refurbish Don't Demolish.

We will have representatives from estates around the country who are putting forward alternatives to demolition - to protect our communities, our homes and our environment.

To join us online, please register with the link below: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/refurbish-dont-demolish-launch-online-tickets-1032585570237 or email [email protected].

We will also have architects, engineers, researchers and a range of housing and climate campaigners joining us to share their knowledge and experience to help strengthen all our campaigns.

Register to attend asap - the full schedule of speakers and contributers will be announced shortly.

The conference will include an election for the Refurbish Don't Demolish steering committee - if you would like to stand for election please register your interest in advance by emailing [email protected]

If you are able to contribute to the cost of hosting this event, please click on the link below-thank you;

https://gofund.me/4032a72b

Agenda

Doors open 1.30

Tea/coffee/juice, refreshments

(Donations for this and the use of the hall are welcome)

2pm, Welcome, Intro and Speakers

Two guest speakers will speak for 10 mins each followed by Q&A.

2.40 AGM and voting for committee members.

3.20 break (10 mins)

3.30 -5.00

Workshops options:

Session One: 3.30 - 4.10.

Session Two: 4.20 - 5.00

a. The Future is Retrofit / myth busting developer spin

Led by an architect, this workshop will help campaigners understand retrofitting, and challenge the common arguments in favour of regeneration schemes: homes are too old, small, dangerous, in disrepair; new homes needed for the homeless, etc.

b. Taking Direct Action

Discussing direct action tactics being used by campaigners - including protests, occupations, sit-ins and rent strikes.

c. Changing direction nationally

Current policy and practice across the UK works in favour of new build rather than refurbishment, such as VAT on retrofit; the planning system; politicians links to developers. We will look at policy proposals and share strategies on how to challenge the demolition machine including legal options for challenging regeneration and compulsory purchase.

d. Campaign tool-kit

Sharing experience of building campaigns - networking with trade unions, community groups etc; accessing funding; getting a presence online; communicating with supporters.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Waterloo Action Centre, 14 Baylis Road, London, United Kingdom