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 3 staff and funding from CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) and Advantage West Midlands. In 2004 this grew to five staff, working either full-time or part time. Now with 5 full time staff members and a further 5 staff working part-time on either projects or supporting the office concern, Urban Vision is growing in its size and recognition for its work. Stakeholders had previously formed a steering group but will shortly use an Annual Stakeholders Forum to further discuss and develop Urban Vision's future work.
