Its that time of year again, delivering my role as Lead Assessor for the Academy of Urbanism Great Town Award. Over September and into early October I'll be making three visits to the shortlisted towns with some of my academician colleagues. Meanwhile other academicians will be undertaking visits for the other four categories - Street, Neighbourhood, Place and European City. The Academy awards are all about identifying, promoting and learning from great places in a way that builds networks and celebrates the best. Last week I was in Dundee and this week in Penzance and will be off to Brighton & Hove early next month. All seafront places and each with a unique story to tell. As always I feel privileged to be given such an insight into these towns - their people, plans, aspirations and achievements. Look out for the winners due to be announced by the Academy of Urbanism in late November.
