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Growing Historic Cities: a Symposium in conjunction with The URBED Trust and Oxford City Council, sponsored by Grosvenor EstatesThe pressures on Britain’s historic towns – unaffordable housing, congestion and pollution, and an ageing population – are leading to demands for ‘smarter ‘growth.  These can include urban extensions and even new garden cities, and the possibility of using New Town Development Corporations to mobilise resources. There have been calls for fundamental rethinking on green belts, as well as countervailing lobbies to keep historic cities small.Kellogg College, 60-62 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX26PThere will be a small number of places reserved for inviteesProgrammeThis conference will draw together lessons from leading examples of recent growth in both the UK and Europe. It will enable local politicians, officers and professional practitioners to discuss how to secure quality investment while improving both the built and the natural environment.  A particular focus in be on funding local infrastructure, working with Local Authorities, and securing quality.The event will feature case studies from three leading examples of historic cities that have benefitted from planned growth: Cambridge, a world university , where new housing is being developed on land taken out of the greenbelt, linked by a Guided Busway, with business parks around the edge of the city Grenoble, France’s premier science city, where five tram lines have enabled the city to expand, while the historic centre has become a place to relax, hosting offices of leading engineering companies Freiburg, Germany’s award winning ‘Solar Capital’, where the new extensions of Vauban and Rieselfeld are influencing developments all over EuropeMore information on Cultures constructives' website and on symposium's website.&#160;&#160;&#160;