Date: Thursday 1 May 2025
Time: Doors open at 18:10 / Discussion begins at 18:30
Location: 70 Cowcross St, London EC1M 6EJ
Join the AoU's Young Urbanists for an event examining the role of politics in the built environment. We will explore:
- How shifts in political landscapes and evolving policies affect the built environment and its design, urban planning, and development
- What are the key influences driving these shifts
- How do local election cycles impact the progression of projects
- What this round of local elections could have in store
This event is organised by members of the AoU's Young Urbanist network but is open to everyone, both AoU Members and Non-Members.
Book your place below to join us on Thursday 1 May as we dive into this topic for a understanding of politics and its impact.
Speaker

Declan Bennett
Declan is a Director at LCA and, in almost a decade at the agency, he has supported a diverse client base on projects ranging from placemaking and corporate briefs to major masterplans.
He is currently working with the Rugby Football Union as it explores the future of the Allianz Stadium and with Simten as it considers its plans for the Twentieth Century House building in Soho, among others.
He has previously led on all of the City of London Corporation’s major projects, including the Consolidation of its three historic markets, Billingsgate, West Smithfield and New Spitalfields at Dagenham Dock, the Museum of London’s move to West Smithfield and the creation of a new justice quarter at Salisbury Square.
LCA is an integrated communications agency for the built environment and works with leading organisations, brands and destinations, placing them at the heart of conversations, building trust, changing perceptions and inspiring action.