History

An architecture and urban design centre was the vision developed by the North Staffordshire Urban Design Forum in 2002.

The forum brought together local authorities, regeneration agencies, architects, academics and civic societies. They wanted to promote the vital role of high quality architecture and urban design in creating successful economic and physical regeneration. They saw the opportunity to build a better future by valuing the "gems" of North Staffordshire and promoting high quality new development at a time of unprecedented investment by public and private sectors.

The Urban Design Forum organised a series of events in 2002 to show how techniques such as master planning and community consultation could be used to define a physical framework for North Staffordshire's future development. Councillors, community leaders, planners, engineers and architects were enthused.

The forum saw that new tools were needed to implement its vision. Developers, public agencies and the community needed support, advice and inspiration to raise their game. The forum decided to promote the creation of a permanent, fully-staffed architecture and urban design centre for North Staffordshire.

Urban Vision North Staffordshire was launched in 2003 with funding from CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) and Advantage West Midlands. In 2004 it took on five staff, working either full-time or part time. The Urban Design Forum has evolved into Urban Vision's Steering Group.