Hitchin future search

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Method(s) Used

Future Search (Methods)

Name of person who posted the project:

Edward Andersson

Location of project:

United Kingdom

Date when the project started:

Date when the project ended/project ongoing:

Background to project:

Hitchin is a market town in Hertfordshire.

In 1995 the town was the scene of a Future Search Conference on the future of the town.

Purpose of project:

A future search conference was chosen as a way of creating a 'Whole Settlement Strategy' that looked at the town as a whole. The conference took place in 1995 over two days at a school in the town.

Project activities:

The future search method took the participants through a highly structured process of thinking through the future of the town, articulating a shared vision in the process.

Project results:

The future search led to action groups on several issues, including:

A Transport plan with routes and facilities for cyclists
A directory of social groups and facilities
Land use guidelines
Funding for facilities for the young and for ethnic minorities.

After the event people in Hitchin changed their response to the proposal to build 10,000 homes in Hertfordshire. Instead of just opposing it they started to develop a practical alternative.

Contact details:

Open Futures
10 West Savile Road,
Edinburgh EH16 5NG
Telephone: 0131 668 4377
Fax: 0131 668 4379
Email: k@napuk.demon.co.uk
Web: http://www.openfutures.com/

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