Welcome to the Great Belt

A talk and panel discussion exploring the future of the Green Belt and how land could better balance housing, industry, mobility, energy and habitat to support resilient, accessible and thriving cities.

Welcome to the Great Belt is a Midweek Monthlies talk and panel discussion presented as part of BPT X RIBA Bristol & Bath at No.1 Royal Crescent.

Speaker: Maysa Phares, Studio Egret West.

The event explores a long-debated question: whether the Green Belt should be seen as untouchable countryside, an underused reserve, or an opportunity to rethink how land can harmonise homes, industry, mobility, energy and habitat.

The discussion aims to move beyond a nature-versus-development framing, considering how land might be transformed to more equitably support a growing city while sustaining landscape and heritage value, regenerating nature and strengthening communities. The topic is designed to encourage lively debate and fresh perspectives.

Discussion panel members are expected to be announced via news updates and social media posts.

• Date: 3 June 2026
• Doors: 5.30pm
• Start time: 6.00pm
• End time: 7.00pm
• Tickets: £12 (concessions £6)
• Talk length: 45 minutes to 1 hour, plus time for questions and discussion
• Bar serves wine, beers and soft drinks