CEPT University Launches Leadership Program on Creative Redevelopment of Cities for Urban Officials

As India’s cities enter a redevelopment-driven phase of urban transformation, the need for innovative approaches to planning and financing urban infrastructure has become more pressing. Responding to this evolving landscape, CEPT University has launched a specialised Leaders Program on Creative Redevelopment of Cities (CRC) to train senior officials and urban decision-makers in strategies for sustainable and future-ready city development.

The programme has been introduced by CEPT Professional Programs (CPP) and focuses on helping urban leaders reimagine existing cities by unlocking the potential of land, infrastructure and built environments. The initiative comes at a time when the Government of India’s Urban Challenge Fund is encouraging cities to prepare investment-ready and bankable urban development projects.

India’s urban development model is gradually shifting away from outward expansion toward the redevelopment of existing city areas. This includes retrofitting infrastructure, promoting compact urban growth, and encouraging transit-oriented development. Experts believe that such an approach can help cities manage population pressure while improving sustainability and livability.

The newly launched programme is designed as a five-day intensive professional development course and is considered one of the first dedicated initiatives in India to focus exclusively on the creative redevelopment of cities. It aims to provide practical insights into integrated planning, climate-responsive design, and innovative financing models required for large-scale urban renewal.

Dr. Sejal Patel, Program Lead for the CRC initiative, highlighted that the programme will draw from international best practices. According to her, participants will study examples of successful urban transformations across the world, including adaptive reuse projects and waterfront regeneration initiatives. Case studies from countries such as Japan, Germany, South Africa and several East Asian nations will be examined alongside Indian urban redevelopment projects to provide actionable insights for policymakers and planners.

“The programme is designed to expose participants to global experiences of city transformation while connecting them with the realities of Indian urban governance and financing,” she said.

The leadership programme is aimed at senior and mid-level officials working in urban development and planning institutions. This includes professionals from municipal corporations, state town planning departments, development authorities, urban development departments, and private sector agencies involved in redevelopment projects. Representatives from international financial institutions engaged in urban infrastructure investments are also expected to benefit from the course.

Due to the programme’s interactive and case-based format, participation will be limited. Government departments and institutions have been encouraged to nominate suitable officials early to secure seats.

Programme Details

Programme Dates: March 24–28, 2026
Venue: CEPT University, Ahmedabad
Nomination Deadline (Individual): March 12, 2026
Nomination Deadline (Government/Institutional): March 18, 2026

Interested applicants can register through the official link: https://forms.gle/QJgasvYUVqSbsZHi8. For further details, applicants may contact +91 76009 65171 or email [email protected].

The programme reflects the growing recognition that India’s future urban development will rely heavily on creative redevelopment strategies, making skilled leadership and informed planning critical for sustainable city transformation.