Iain Mulvey explores a German local authority's proactive approach to residential development, where a public development company directly builds housing, captures developer profits, and borrows private sector money. He examines whether this model, which prioritizes community needs and sustainability, could offer solutions to the UK's housing challenges.

Dan Gordon, Senior Policy Advisor at MHCLG, explains High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs), a new power for local authorities in England to tackle persistent commercial high street vacancy and revitalise town centres.

Phil Farrell of JLL recounts the complex saga of Nottingham's Broad Marsh regeneration, a project battling past planning mistakes, financial adversity, and the city's Section 114 notice. He highlights the collaborative efforts between Nottingham City Council and Homes England, which are finally bringing the ambitious master plan, including the "Green Heart," to fruition.

Richard Gawthorpe of Local Partnerships explores how public sector organizations can reimagine urban asset management to unlock value from their estates, focusing on collaborative working, data-driven strategies, and aligning property functions with service delivery.

Mark Walton of Shared Assets explores how community ownership models, particularly Agroecological Land Trusts (AFTs), offer a compelling alternative for farmers facing retirement or succession challenges. These models not only protect agricultural land and promote food security but also address complex issues like housing for retiring farmers and farm successors.

Richard Allen, a long-serving honorary member and former President of ACES, reflects on his 35-year career at Nottingham City Council and the "legacy" he left, exploring themes of leadership, knowledge, and the evolving role of chief estate surveyors in the public sector.

Nonye Amatobi, Commercial Lead for the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Estate Category team, introduces the new Estate Management Service 2 (EMS2) RM6343 framework. This framework aims to revolutionize public sector property management by fostering strategic supplier partnerships, driving innovation, and addressing key market challenges like expiring PFI projects and the push for net-zero.

Philippa Rees of AMP Clean Energy introduces "Battery Box," a micro-sized energy storage solution, and explains how it aligns with the UK's Clean Power 2030 initiative. She highlights a successful case study with Suffolk County Council, demonstrating local energy storage in action.

Nyear Yaseen, a chartered surveyor and member of the Compulsory Purchase Association, provides an update on the proposed reforms to Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, highlighting the significant changes expected for the compensation code.

Georgia Lewis of Local Partnerships provides crucial guidance for public authorities on preparing for Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract expiry, emphasizing the urgent need for early planning to ensure effective asset handback and mitigate risks.

Kevin Joyce explores the "rooftop revolution" in solar power, discussing the integration of solar installations in new build housing and options for re-roofing listed buildings and properties within conservation areas, aligning with the UK's green energy investment targets.

Vickie Oni, a London-based project manager, shares her unexpected journey into the construction industry, highlighting the transferable skills from her logistics background. She discusses the challenges and rewards of her role, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving, stakeholder management, and a commitment to diversity.

Antony Phillips, Head of Real Estate and Property Litigation at Fieldfisher, provides a 2024 legal update, reviewing key court decisions relevant to public sector surveyors. The update covers modifications of lease covenants, consent for alterations, forfeiture and waiver, and lease renewals and redevelopment under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.

Andy Jones of Leaders Romans Group explores the transformative impact of the Renters’ Rights Bill on the private rental sector. He discusses how this legislation aims to enhance tenant protections and raise industry standards, while also examining the growing influence of institutional investors, particularly in Build-to-Rent (BTR), and the need for policy to support this evolving market.

Mark Topping of Lanpro Services explores the successes and challenges of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations, which became mandatory for major developments in February 2024. He discusses its impact on the development sector, the use of the Defra biodiversity metric, and how BNG can align with new Green Belt release policies to foster greener, healthier developments.

Simon Barry of Boyer Planning questions the efficacy of High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) as a solution to revitalizing struggling high streets. While the government aims to empower councils to auction leases for vacant retail spaces, this article delves into the complex challenges faced by high streets and explores whether HSRAs can truly foster a dynamic, diverse presence.

Sophie Davidson presents the 2025 Model Estate performance report, detailing the hypothetical agricultural estate's valuation and key trends. The report highlights resilient land values, rising residential and commercial rents, and the increasing impact of energy efficiency standards on property portfolios.

Ben Hodge of Savills highlights the benefits of property auctions for local authorities, emphasizing how this method ensures transparency, achieves true market value, and provides a quick, cost-effective way to dispose of surplus assets and generate capital.

Artificial Intelligence is not just a passing trend—it's a transformative opportunity for property managers in the public sector. This article explores how AI can streamline property management tasks, from automating data collection to improving strategic asset management and addressing climate change objectives.

Sarah Butler of Drees & Sommer UK presents a case study on Manchester City Council's ambitious decarbonisation program for its residential and corporate estates. This article explores the strategies, challenges, and innovative approaches, including AI and GIS analysis, used to achieve net zero targets, reduce fuel poverty, and improve residents' quality of life.