The University of Roehampton is hosting a virtual event open to the public on Monday, 29 March to discuss the urgent need for more sustainable and effective transportation in the Roehampton district of southwest London, and its pivotal role in spurring future regeneration and local growth ambitions of the area.

Fleur Anderson, Labour MP for Putney, Roehampton and Southfields and Molly Scott Cato, Professor of Green Economics and former Green MEP for South West England and Gibraltar (2014-2020), will be in attendance, and will be joined by local Roehampton representative Deacon Kathy Johnson from the Roehampton Partnership.

Members of the public are invited to attend the free online event, which will run from 4pm to 5:30pm, and will have the opportunity to ask questions to the panel members.

As part of the discussion, speakers will debate what Roehampton needs to become a district of sustainable growth and regeneration, focusing on key issues and challenges as well as how these can be addressed, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Roehampton has faced a number of transport challenges recently, including the closure of Hammersmith Bridge in April 2019, and reduced train connections outside of Putney and Barnes providing few cross-routes linking the area to other south west hubs in London. These challenges have created significant barriers to attract new businesses and innovation, as well as raised air-quality issues due to an increased use of road vehicles, and deepened social exclusion, causing greater inequality in the area.

Molly Scott Cato, Professor of Economics and Finance at the University of Roehampton and former Green MEP, said: “Sustainable growth and regeneration of Roehampton will determine how the area prospers in the years to come. Transport is at the heart of this, and it is an important pillar to ensure the area remains both affordable to a wide range of communities, and offers accessible local employment and recreation opportunities.”

The ‘Transport and Regeneration in Roehampton’ event will be held online from 4 – 5:30pm on Monday, 29 March. To register for free and for further information, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/transport-and-regeneration-in-roehampton-tickets-146597817017.