Muyiwa Oki made a clear statement of intent this week, by ensuring that one of his first engagements as RIBA president was chairing a townhall meeting entitled “Re-fit for Purpose” in the Lancashire coastal town of Fleetwood.

The event, held on Wednesday in the town’s former hospital, was a collaboration between the RIBA and The Prince’s Foundation. The meeting was intended to put a spotlight on the reuse agenda and its potential to drive grassroots regeneration. In Fleetwood, this agenda is centred on the re-purposing of the town’s former hospital as a new community hub, to include a café and further education classes, alongside other services.

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