Triangle

Conference overview

The Waterfront Development International Conference 2025 aims to bring together academics, practitioners, and policymakers to explore innovative approaches to waterfront development, conservation, and resilience. The conference will feature keynote speeches, paper presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities.

We invite submissions that address the challenges and opportunities in waterfront development, covering themes such as heritage, conservation, environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, smart technology, and socio-economic inclusivity.

Made possible by a major contribution from the University of Nottingham's Return-to-Research Fund, enabling reduced fees for students and academics. 

Conference Registration Now is Opened (end on 15 October 2025): https://store.nottingham.ac.uk/conferences-and-events/conferences/schools-and-departments/engineering/waterfront-development-international-conference-2025 

Call for Papers: Waterfront Development International Conference 2025 (Abstract submission deadline extended)

Conference theme: Advancing Sustainable, Smart, and Inclusive Waterfronts Development
Dates: November 3-6, 2025
Location: Liverpool, UK
Organiser: University of Nottingham

Co-organisers: IACP-EU, Liverpool School of Architecture (Urban Form and Social Space), Tianjin University, Beijing Jiaotong University, Nanjing University of Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University

Key partners: Peel Waters

  • Call for papers: 26 May 2025
  • Deadline for abstract submission: 31 July 2025 (5pm, BST)
  • Notification of acceptance: 31 August 2025
  • Standard registration: 1 August to 15 October 2025
  • Full paper submission deadline: 30 September 2025
  • Final conference programme announcement: 15 October 2025

 

 

Key themes

Submissions are welcome on, but not limited to, the following themes:

1. Waterfront Heritage, Conservation and Identity

  • Key focus:
    • Protecting, preserving and restoring historical and cultural waterfront sites
    • Integrating cultural identity into modern redevelopment projects
    • The role of arts and public spaces in revitalising waterfronts
    • Canal & Harbour-front urban regeneration
    • Adaptive reuse and modernisation of waterfront spaces
  • Session title: "21st Century Waterfront Regeneration"

 

2. Community Engagement and Social Equality

  • Key focus:
    • Inclusive planning processes that incorporate local voices
    • The role of waterfronts in addressing social inequalities
    • Case studies of community-led waterfront redevelopment projects
  • Session title: "Engaging Communities for Inclusive Waterfront Futures"

 

3. Climate Resilience, Biodiversity and Environmental Adaptation

  • Key focus:
    • Strategies for making waterfront areas resilient to sea-level rise, flooding, and extreme weather
    • Designing adaptive urban spaces that respond to climate uncertainties
    • Role of green and blue infrastructure in coastal resilience
    • Restoration of aquatic and terrestrial habitats in waterfront areas
    • Strategies for balancing urbanisation with ecosystem health
    • Urban planning strategies for water-sensitive cities
  • Session title: "Building Resilient Waterfronts: Challenges and Innovations"

 

4. Smart Waterfronts, Digital Innovation and AI-Driven Design

  • Key focus:
    • Application of smart technologies for waterfront management and development
    • Data-driven approaches for monitoring quality and usage of places
    • Creating interactive and accessible urban waterfront spaces using technology
  • Session title: "Smart Waterfronts: Technology for Sustainable Urban Edges"

 

5. Waterfront Innovation Clusters, Recreation and Tourism

  • Key focus:
    • Sustainable tourism models for waterfront areas
    • Balancing recreational use with environmental preservation
    • Case studies of successful recreational waterfronts
    • Role of waterfronts in economic regeneration and innovation
    • Leveraging waterfronts for startup hubs, tech parks, or maritime industries
    • Challenges and opportunities in creating economically vibrant waterfronts
  • Session title: "Recreation and Tourism on the Waterfront: Economic Growth and Innovation"

 

6. Policy and Governance in Waterfront Development

  • Key focus:
    • Governance models for managing waterfront transformations
    • Legal and regulatory challenges in waterfront development
    • Case studies of successful multi-stakeholder collaborations
  • Session title: "Governance Frameworks for Transforming Waterfronts"

 

 

 

Submission guidelines

Full paper abstract submission:

  • Maximum 300 words, clearly outlining research aims, methods, findings, and relevance
  • Include title, author(s) name, affiliation, and contact details
  • Submit via the online submission platform:

Complete the MS Form

Full paper submission:

Submit full paper

 

Poster presentation submission:

  • 1 x A1 Poster, clearly outlining research aims, methods, findings, and relevance
  • Include title, names, affiliation, and contact details
  • Submit via the online submission platform

Presentation format:

  • Oral presentations: 15-20 minutes + 30 minutes session Q&A
  • Poster presentations: Dedicated sessions for interactive discussions

PhD students award

We are awarding PhD student’s full paper presentation submission contribution by offering free registration fee to attend the conference. You will receive a special registration code for free fee online registration.

Publication opportunities

Accepted papers will be considered for inclusion in:

  • Special Issue in a Partner Journal
  • Edited Book in an International Publisher
 

Important dates - Abstract submission deadline extended

  • Abstract submission deadline: 31 July 2025 (5pm, BST)
  • Notification of acceptance: 31 August 2025
  • Registration deadline: 15 October 2025 (5pm, BST)
  • Full paper submission deadline: 15 September 2025 (5pm, BST)
  • Final conference programme announcement: 15 October 2025

 

Conference programme agenda (Updated)

For the full agenda please download the attached PDF (newly updated on 15 October 2025).

 

Registration and fees - Supported by UoN

    • PhD students award - for PhD students whose abstract is selected: Free (before 6 October 2025)
    • Student registration: £50 (before 15 October 2025)
    • Standard registration: £100 (by 15 October 2025)

Fees include access to all sessions, conference materials, meals (excluding conference formal dinner), and excursions.

Please book your place now (onine registration is opened from 23 July 2025 to 15 October 2025): https://store.nottingham.ac.uk/conferences-and-events/conferences/schools-and-departments/engineering/waterfront-development-international-conference-2025

 

Contact and further information

For any inquiries, please contact the Organising Committee at waterfront2025@nottingham.ac.uk

We look forward to your contributions and to welcoming you to Liverpool in 2025!