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ACES Terrier


SEVEN NEW TOWNS One big opportunity - What England’s latest growth programme means for places, investors, and developers
The government has unveiled seven proposed locations for a new generation of new towns, signaling a major shift toward large-scale, infrastructure-led growth. From Milton Keynes to Victoria North, learn how this 21st-century placemaking mission aims to deliver up to 40,000 homes per site alongside integrated employment hubs.
Nyear Yaseen and Rebekah Formosa
5 min read


PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS Unlocking regional growth: The importance of public–private partnerships when viability is tight
As property development viability faces a "classic trap" of high costs and sticky debt, the old playbook no longer works. Alex McKinlay, Head of Public Sector Land at Savills, explains why the shift toward long-term public-private partnerships—fusing public land with institutional capital—is the most credible route to unlocking regional growth and housing delivery in 2026.

Alex McKinlay
5 min read


LONDON BRIDGE BID Shaping London Bridge: The Impact of Team London Bridge, a Business Improvement District
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.

Donald Campbell
6 min read


INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE Reimagining our cities and towns: A new era of industrial and infrastructure alignment
Rebekah Formosa of Lambert Smith Hampton outlines how the government's 2025 Industrial and Infrastructure Strategies present a blueprint for transforming UK cities and towns. She emphasizes the critical role of local authorities in securing funding by adopting a holistic approach to regeneration that integrates social, environmental, and economic value.

Rebekah Formosa
4 min read


MY LEGACY What has happened to my legacy – Part two
Richard Allen, former President of ACES and a Nottingham City Council veteran, reflects on the transformation of Nottingham since his retirement in 2008, focusing on property decisions, major regeneration projects like Broadmarsh, and the evolving role of public sector property teams. He also highlights the enduring value of ACES membership and networking.

Richard Allen
12 min read


HIGH STREET RENTAL AUCTIONS From theory to practice
Dan Gordon, a Senior Policy Advisor at MHCLG, details the High Street Rental Auctions (HSRA) powers introduced to combat high street vacancy. He explains how these new regulations, effective from December 2024, empower local authorities to address persistent empty units and stimulate regeneration, citing a successful early intervention in Barnsley.

Dan Gordon
5 min read


HIGH STREET RENTAL AUCTIONS To what extent can this approach solve the problems on the high street?
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.

Simon Barry
4 min read
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