The IHBC is delighted to announce the launch of the Home Page of the 2026 Annual School, to take place in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 18-20 June, on ‘Adaptive Reuse’ and across up to 20 hours CPD.
See more on #IHBCNewcastle2026
IHBC’s Director Seán O’Reilly said: ‘This will be our first School since securing permission to Petition for Charter, and we will want to mark that moment in Newcastle. So be sure to plan ahead so you can be one of the lucky few to experience #IHBCNewcastle2026 live, whether online or, better still, in person.’
IHBC North Branch Chair Roger Higgins said: ‘Our IHBC North Committee and wider membership has been working on the Newcastle School concept since Spring now, and we are honing an exciting programme of speakers and study tours.
With the northeast last holding the Annual School in 1989 (in Durham), we are well-overdue hosting you all again.
The theme of adaptive reuse is ideally suited to the northeast and to Newcastle, which has undergone extraordinary transformations in its built environment from industrial powerhouse to a centre of commerce, entertainment and culture.
‘We look forward to welcoming both new and seasoned delegates alike in June 2026.
IHBC’s Education and Application Support Officer, Angharad Hart, said: ‘It has been a pleasure working with the IHBC North Branch as plans get underway for the upcoming Annual School, and Newcastle is proving an ideal venue as the backdrop to explore this year’s theme of Adaptive Reuse, with both the Reception and Day School venues being excellent examples of how historic buildings and places can be successfully adapted for new uses. We look forward to updating you as the School programme takes shape over the coming months, and hope to see as many of you there as possible.’
The IHBC writes:
The School website is now live at newcastle2026.ihbc.org.uk, where you can register your interest for the latest updates.
Following on from the highly successful School in Shrewsbury last June, we now turn our sights further north. The Annual School, which is hosted by the IHBC North Branch in partnership with the National Office, is the IHBC’s biggest annual gathering, bringing together experts, practitioners, and partners from across the heritage and built environment sectors.
With Adaptive Reuse as our theme, the School will spotlight how historic buildings and places can be reimagined for new uses while retaining their cultural and social value.
Over three days, delegates will enjoy a rich mix of learning, networking, and celebration, including:
- CPD study tours across Newcastle and the wider region, focussing on this year’s theme of Adaptive Reuse.
- A Day School (Friday 19 June), available in person and online, hosted at The Common Room, Newcastle.
- A Welcome Reception at the iconic Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, overlooking the River Tyne.
- The Annual Dinner and Award presentations at the historic Royal Station Hotel.
Who should attend and why?
- IHBC Schools offer innovative insights and opportunities for everyone, and not just for specialists!
- Delegates include specialists in conservation from a wide range of disciplines and practice.
- For non-specialists with a more general understanding of conservation this conference offers a chance to look to the IHBC’s School for updates in practice and policy as well as offering valuable networking opportunities.
- Community representatives and volunteers with and interest in local building and area conservation issues of all sorts, from policy to processes and projects, will find an accessible and cost-effective overview of current and new solutions and opportunities.
See more on IHBC’s North Branch HERE and all IHBC Branches HERE
See more on IHBC’s Schools HERE and visit the website at newcastle2026.ihbc.org.uk
See more on IHBC CPD HERE
