Pictured: Julie Tanner OPUN's Chief Executive

Television personality and urban planner David Lock is set to be one of the keynote speakers at OPUN's Autumn Conference, which will take place on Thursday 6th October at St. Martins House in Leicester.

David recently featured on BBC2's Restoration Homes programme, presented by Caroline Quentin, which charted progress on the restoration of Calverton Manor in Buckinghamshire to its former glory.

David has a passion for period architecture as highlighted through this popular TV show, and as a well respected urban design and planning professional, received a CBE for his services to the sector. David's expertise and experience will bring an interesting angle to the Conference.

He said: "Conserving local architecture is something that is very important to me. The buildings in an area say a lot about the character of a place and its community, so I'm delighted to be able to share my views with a wider audience at this important event."

OPUN, the Architecture Centre for the East Midlands, exists to improve the quality of building design across the East Midlands and create better, more prosperous places. Part of OPUN's role is to support built environment and regeneration professionals through a design best practice training and events programme.

As Julie Tanner, OPUN's Chief Executive explained: "This conference is aimed at architects, planners, urban designers, regeneration professionals and other built environment professionals, and follows on from a very successful event we ran last March. Feedback from delegates last time round was extremely positive, and we know that industry professionals value the opportunity to learn more about a current hot topic."

"This time round, we'll be focusing on the challenge of preserving retrofit and heritage within new build developments. With a great line up of speakers who will offer an insight into the issue - particularly in light of the proposed changes to the planning system - we aim to stimulate debate and raise awareness of the challenges of preserving building heritage in a modern day world." 

Other notable speakers include prominent architect Richard Hill of London based Richard Griffiths Architects. Best known best for his involvement in the design and regeneration of the St. Pancras Station Renaissance Hotel, Richard will speak about how this particular project brought together the old and the new to revitalise a historical landmark.     

The conference kicks off at 9am and runs through to 3.30pm, and will also incorporate workshops, networking opportunities, interactive Q&A panel debates and an exhibition. At the end of the conference, delegates will have the opportunity to go on a short walking tour of Leicester's hidden heritage.

Further information and full details about how to book your place can be found on Eventbrite . Early Bird tickets are still available at £50 - book now to avoid disappointment.