The IHBC is delighted to thank all contributors, participants, sponsors, network partners, exhibitors and, especially, our RTPI 2026 School Friends, all of whom have helped make our Annual School in Newcastle, such a success, as we look ahead to June 2027 in Bristol, interrogating ‘Climate Change and Significance’.
All registered delegates will be emailed a link to download the IHBC’s 2026 Newcastle School recordings
But you can still sign up for IHBC’s 2026 Newcastle School recordings
(from £35+VAT – using your IHBC membership number or discount code provided to RTPI members and others)
Chair of our host IHBC North Branch, Roger Higgins, said: ‘IHBC’s North Branch was delighted to host the 2026 Annual School, and we all enjoyed seeing so many of you in person and welcoming so many more online.’
‘We had a great range of speakers and amazing study tours that showcased the best of northern regeneration and adaptive reuse.’
‘And if you didn’t make it along for our School, I do hope that – having seen and heard about what the region has to offer – you’ll make your own opportunity to explore Newcastle and its surroundings, and our fabulous historic buildings and places.’
IHBC President Rebecca Thompson, opened the 2026 School at the Thursday Reception in The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, and said: ‘The 2026 IHBC Annual School in Newcastle, on Adaptive Reuse, was excellent, so thank you to everyone involved in setting it up.
The reception officially commenced at The Baltic Centre, as a perfect example of Adaptive Re-use. It started with a beautiful tribute to the memory of IHBC Past President and local conservation icon David Lovie, offered by Alison McCandlish in advance of her own contribution to the evening’s programme. Our heartfelt thanks and best wishes go to Jean, David’s widow, who also joined us there.’
‘Roger Higgins provided a ‘welcome to Newcastle’ and a challenge to assess the significance of the historic hostelries! This was followed by the Architect Dominic Williams providing a talk on the design evolution and challenges for bringing the Baltic Centre to life.’
‘With thanks to all of the IHBC teams, guides, speakers and volunteers for an informative and engaging set of lectures.’
‘The School came to a close with a sumptuous dinner at The Station Hotel followed by SAHGB Awards for research, Gus Astley Student Awards and Booth-Bird for a Conservation Management Plan, and the IHBC Marsh Awards.’
‘Congratulations to all our winners, and well done to all those who were nominated. It is important to recognise the hard work and dedication within our industry, the passion of our members absolutely shone through during the summer school, please continue to recognise talent and celebrate success.’
IHBC Chair David McDonald said: ‘It was a delight to be able to attend IHBC’s Annual School in Newcastle – as well as contribute by chair ing the Friday morning session.’
‘The School’s theme of adaptive re-use is particularly timely, and each speaker rose to the occasion in demonstrating that heritage is an enabler rather than a ‘blocker’ to regeneration. The presentations and guided tours worked seamlessly together to show the leading roles in conservation played by the IHBC and our members.’
‘My thanks go to staff, officers and not least to the North Branch of the IHBC for making this an Annual School to remember’.
IHBC Director Sean O’Reilly said: ‘It was a remarkable programme and, rightly, was exceptionally well received.
The Day School was enjoyed by some140 attendees in person, and some 230 online, with still more to view recordings.
‘And the feedback has been exceptional too. It’s early days still, but the feedback from our online ‘Virtual School’ likely sets the bar, as some 90% of responders marking out of 5 gave it either 5 or 4 – a truly remarkable achievement!’
‘We’re still collating other feedback, and will offer more detail later, and will review it all to make sure we build on this remarkable success in Bristol next year!’
‘Newcastle 2026 represents the outcome our huge partnership and engagement efforts across the host North Branch and the National office, led by Angharad Hart, and I’m delighted to add my own thanks to all for their hard work, and congratulations for a School that sets a whole new bar for the IHBC!’
‘A special thanks, too, to all our speakers and contributors, not least Timothy David Crawshaw for his hugely stimulating closing response to the day with his 10 pointers, representing our 2026 School Friend the Royal Town Planning Institute’.
At the other end of the day Dr Anna Keay opened discussions with a foundational case study of the Landmark Trust that helpfully chimed absolutely with lessons from across the entire programme, including points echoed by our own lead officers there such as our President Rebecca Thompson and our Chair David McDonald.’
‘Finally, a special mention is offered to all those who helped make our overall programme so useful, welcoming, accessible and relevant, especially for early career Conservation Professionals and their colleagues.’
‘From our engaging and helpful exhibitors – which we’ll report on further in a separate NewsBlog – to the venue and study tour staff, and our own networks of Branch Consultants and volunteers, that happy and positive mood mattered hugely to all attending. Indeed it was remarked on especially by a number of younger members and non-members to whom I spoke.’
‘If ever our investment, costs and hard work in each School needed justification, it can be seen in the positive experience and learning offered in Newcastle!’
