Re-imagining better ways to live in our cities We face a national crisis in the affordability of our housing and our public services. The option to simply ‘do more with less’ has become impossible. Together, as the people that make up the city of Bristol, we need the courage to reimagine and to rethink, to hope for a better future. Right now, there is the opportunity to find solutions for significant change in the face of this challenge. Over the next 25 years, new types of housing development and new technology platforms will provide an opportunity to recreate some of the world around us. As the people that make up the City of Bristol we need to take responsibility to enable the outcomes that are desired and desperately needed for the benefit of all in this city. Bristol is a city of innovation and creativity. It is a city that is prepared to stand up and lead. It is a city that punches above its weight. Let’s celebrate who we are. Let’s stand together and believe what’s possible to enable innovation in housing, investment, jobs and community – helping cities to flourish. Following the launch, the Festival will run for five years during which time new communities will be commissioned, funded and built across the city. The Festival intends to road-test a range of existing concepts and innovative solutions in the real-world helping to speed up the delivery of quality, affordable housing in the city. These prototypes will help develop scalable and longer-term solutions to support local government to create housing, places and communities promote hope and wellbeing. There is so much in this city to celebrate and showcase in the area of housing and the Bristol Housing Festival will help highlight the exciting ambition and work that is already underway through partnerships, innovators, community groups, visionaries and pioneers in Bristol.