Austin Barber

Dr Austin Barber is a Senior Lecturer in Urban Development and Planning at the University of Birmingham, affiliated with the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Centre for Urban and Regional Studies (CURS). He is a founder and director of the Royal Town Planning Institute-accredited MSc Urban and Regional Planning programme.

• Expertise in urban regeneration, socio-economic sustainability, and comparative urban studies across Europe and North America
• Coordinated modules: Urban Property Development, Integrated Planning Project, Contemporary Issues in Urban Development

Research Focus:
• Planning and regeneration of city centers and inner cities
• Rise of 'city living' and housing development
• Socio-economic sustainability in urban neighborhoods
• Innovative planning approaches and comparative studies

Recent Research Trends:
His publications reveal a focus on sustainability sequencing, trade-offs in urban development, and the role of community organizations in regeneration. Key themes include benchmarking urban sustainability, resilience paradigms in infrastructure, and comparative analyses of regeneration policies across global cities.

Community Engagement:
Since 2006, he has directed the Moseley Community Development Trust, chairing the Moseley Regeneration Group in collaboration with Birmingham City Council.