All Articles

Discover how Team London Bridge, a Business Improvement District, has transformed London Bridge over two decades, driving economic growth, enhancing sustainability, and fostering a vibrant community through strategic initiatives and local investment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Planning is about the future, yet consultations often fail to engage young people who have the greatest stake in it. This article explores how ambitious plans for cities like Cambridge can shift the balance toward younger voices through innovative consultation methods.