A High Speed Vision for the Future

[i]Final conference[/i] 22 May 2008 at Church House Conference Centre, next to Westminster Abbey. Registration begins at 11:00 followed by networking at project exhibitions. The conference starts at 13:00 ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP Led by SEEDA, 27 project partners in two EU-funded projects have collaborated across North West Europe to discover how cities and regions can take full advantage of fast train connections to improve people's lives. WHY ATTEND? The topic is timely and critical as policy-makers seek concrete ideas to fulfill their commitments to raise rail capacity, cut carbon emissions and reduce oil dependence. The conference will show what the partners learned about applying joined-up strategy through practical projects that connect high speed trains locally. Experts will present fresh research as well as visions for the future of high speed rail in stimulating commerce, competitiveness, employment, urban renewal and integration. Programme: 13:30 SESSION ONE: Ambitions and Achievements A practical insight into what the HST Partnership set out to achieve, the lessons learned and the results delivered • Achievements of the HST Projects – Detlef Golletz, Head of Transport & Infrastructure, SEEDA • Regional and Strategic Benefits – Ruut Louwers, Programme Director INTERREG NWE • Case study: Practical and Local Benefits – Helen Santer, Director of Operations, Waterloo Quarter Business Alliance • The effects of investments in high-speed rail infrastructure: Key results from the HST Study – Alan Lewis, Director, Transport and Travel Research Ltd • Panel Discussion and Q&A – Moderated by Nicholas Owen 15:15 Networking break 16:00 SESSION TWO: Visions for the Future Perspectives on the future role of high-speed rail in topical policy areas Vision one: A vision for expansion of the high speed train network in Europe – Ingrid Nuelant, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Thalys Vision two: A vision for expansion of the high speed train network in the UK - Julie Mills, Director Greengauge 21 Vision three: Stations as drivers for urban regeneration – Spencer de Grey, Senior Executive: Head of Design, Foster + Partners Panel Discussion and Q&A – Moderated by Nicholas Owen 17:40 Closing Remarks 18:00 Drinks Reception at East Cloisters, Westminster Abbey We have secured a number of spaces on guided optional tours of the Abbey Museum (tour space is limited so delegates will be asked to sign-up for this upon registration) Visit the official site: http://www.highspeedtrains.net