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In this episode of Urban Forecast by Ackroyd Lowrie, we speak to Shravan Joshi, MBA, Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation. Shravan discusses the transformative Vision 2040 framework, which redefines sustainability, heritage, and urban growth in the Square Mile. From addressing the embodied carbon of buildings to balancing modernisation with the City’s rich 2000-year history, Shravan offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to plan for the future. We explore the rise of retrofit-first strategies, the power of green finance, and the role of global collaboration in building a truly sustainable urban environment.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Vision 2040: A bold roadmap for the City of London, focusing on sustainability, heritage preservation, and economic growth.
Retrofit-First Policy: How prioritising retrofitting over redevelopment is reshaping the City’s approach to sustainability.
Green Finance & Transition Finance: Why investment is increasingly driven by environmental credentials and the rise of super-prime sustainable buildings.
Balancing Heritage with Modernisation: The unique challenge of preserving historic architecture while embracing cutting-edge development.
Post-Pandemic Reimagining: Adapting office spaces for hybrid working and integrating cultural and experiential elements to “earn the commute.”
Global Urban Learnings: Insights from cities like Paris and New York on sustainable urban regeneration and planning innovations.
Incentivising Sustainability: Why tax reforms like reduced VAT on retrofitting are crucial for driving sustainable development.
Digital Planning Revolution: How the City of London is spearheading a unified digital framework for planning across the UK.
BEST MOMENTS
“You cannot not have change. What we need is responsible change that respects both heritage and sustainability.” – Shravan Joshi
“Retrofit is no longer just policy—it’s market demand. Developers are now driving the shift towards sustainability.” – Shravan Joshi
“Vision 2040 is about growth, but growth done responsibly, celebrating our history while innovating for the future.” – Shravan Joshi
“Urban densification is not just about economics—it’s about reducing our carbon footprint and planning for long-term sustainability.” – Shravan Joshi
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Ackroyd Lowrie - http://www.ackroydlowrie.com
City of London Corporation - https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/about-us
EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT
Labour Reacts to the budget: Can we deliver £1.5 million homes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCvAcDx9e6g
Housing Crisis: Local Leaders, Bold Solutions - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6EVosyQcyE
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.
CONNECT & CONTACT
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/
LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcast
Email: [email protected] -
In this episode of Urban Forecast by Ackroyd Lowrie, we talk to Jack Shaw, councillor at Barking and Dagenham and senior advisor at Labour Together. Jack shares his journey from an unexpected start in politics to becoming a key voice in housing policy and local government finance. We dive into the realities of delivering affordable housing, the challenges of local authority budgets, and the role of political leadership in shaping sustainable communities. From discussing the moral case for housing to unlocking innovative solutions for urban challenges, this episode provides a thoughtful look at how we can truly define the future of our cities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Power of Local Leadership: Strong political leadership is essential for councils to unlock housing delivery and infrastructure projects.
The Moral Case for Housing: Building homes isn’t just about numbers—it’s about improving lives and creating equality.
Temporary Accommodation Crisis: With record numbers of people in temporary accommodation, councils face immense financial and moral pressures to act.
Financial Struggles of Local Authorities: Many councils are at risk of unbalanced budgets, impacting their capacity to deliver vital services and housing projects.
Innovative Council-Led Solutions: Models like Barking and Dagenham’s Be First demonstrate how councils can drive housebuilding while navigating financial risks.
Balancing Growth and Sustainability: Effective urban planning must address social inequality while meeting sustainability goals.
Alignment Across Government Levels: A unified vision between local and national governments is critical for achieving ambitious housing targets.
Challenges of Prescriptive Policy: Overly rigid frameworks like the London Plan can hinder flexible, locally-tailored housing solutions.
BEST MOMENTS
“Temporary accommodation isn’t just a financial burden—it’s a moral one. We need to prioritise housing to improve lives.” – Jack Shaw
“Councils can’t meet housing targets without strong leadership, financial stability, and innovative thinking.” – Jack Shaw
“It’s not just about delivering homes. It’s about making sure they support sustainability and equality.” – Jack Shaw
“Local government finance is a balancing act—every decision has ripple effects on housing, services, and communities.” – Jack Shaw
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Labour Together
Ackroyd Lowrie
EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT
Danielle St Pierre
Labour Reacts to the budget: Can we deliver £1.5 million homes
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.
CONNECT & CONTACT
Instagram
LinkedIn
Email: [email protected] -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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DESCRIPTION
Join us in this compelling episode of Urban Forecast by Ackroyd Lowrie, as we sit down with Anthony Okereke, leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, and Jack Shaw, councillor at Barking and Dagenham. Together, they share their unique perspectives on the intersection of politics, urban development, and housing. From the moral case for regeneration to the challenges of delivering sustainable housing, this episode delves into the critical decisions shaping the future of our cities. We also unpack the latest budget's implications for housing and infrastructure, offering insights into the real challenges and opportunities local councils face in tackling pressing housing issues.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Moral Case for Housing: Why building homes isn’t just about numbers but about transforming lives and creating sustainable communities.
Leadership in Development: The importance of councils showing clear leadership to balance public support and housing delivery.
Housing Targets and Challenges: Examining the Labour government's ambitious target of 1.5 million homes and the systemic hurdles to achieving it.
Public and Private Partnerships: How collaboration can unlock housing delivery while addressing community concerns.
Temporary Accommodation Crisis: Exploring innovative ways councils are improving living conditions and managing financial pressures.
Sustainable Urban Growth: The role of zero-carbon homes and sustainable infrastructure in combating poverty and reducing household bills.
Planning and Skills Gaps: Why the planning system needs reform and how addressing skills shortages is critical for future housing projects.
Budget Impacts: Highlights from Rachel Reeves' budget and what it means for local government housing strategies.
BEST MOMENTS
“We need to speak more about great housing. It enables people to turn a new chapter in their lives.” – Anthony Okereke
“Temporary accommodation must be seen as a service – making people's experiences as comfortable as possible in difficult times.” – Anthony Okereke
“You can’t build your way out of this crisis alone. Councils need government support to tackle housing issues at scale.” – Jack Shaw
“The moral case for regeneration is about more than policy – it’s about shaping better futures for our communities.” – Jack Shaw
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Labour Together
Ackroyd Lowrie
EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT
Danielle St Pierre
Mark Baigent
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.
CONNECT & CONTACT
Instagram
LinkedIn
Email: [email protected] -
In this episode, Urban Forecast explores the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) with Danielle St Pierre, co-founder of Hybrid Planning and Development. Covering critical topics like brownfield regeneration, grey belt opportunities, and housing targets, Danielle breaks down how these policies affect local authorities and housing supply. We discuss sustainable urban growth, affordable housing challenges, and the potential of the “brownfield passport” to streamline planning approvals - essential insights for anyone invested in the future of UK urban development.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Brownfield and Grey Belt Opportunities: The new NPPF creates avenues for developing brownfield sites and grey belt areas adjacent to existing settlements, aiming to meet housing demands sustainably.
Housing Targets and Five-Year Land Supply: With reintroduced housing targets and the five- year land supply requirement, local authorities face increasing pressure to allocate sufficient land for development.
Planning Flexibility: The introduction of Section 73B permits broader amendments to existing planning permissions, helping developers adapt to changing regulations without starting over.
Brownfield Passport: This new initiative aims to streamline the approval process for brownfield sites, giving developers more certainty and reducing upfront documentation requirements.
Sustainable Urban Extensions: The NPPF now encourages urban extensions as part of a strategy to address housing shortages, particularly in areas with limited greenfield availability.
Green Belt Regulation Shift: The shift towards “grey belt” allows specific green belt areas with existing infrastructure to be considered for development, with stipulations for affordable housing.
Retrofit Policy and Urban Sustainability: While retrofit policies aren’t fully integrated into the NPPF, the emphasis on sustainable urban development highlights the need for national guidance.
Challenges in Reaching Housing Goals: Achieving the Labour government’s target of 1.5 million homes remains complex, as the private and public sectors face significant market and regulatory hurdles.
BEST MOMENTS
"The reintroduction of housing targets puts the pressure back on local authorities to maintain a five-year land supply—crucial for meeting growing demand."
"Brownfield passports could be a game-changer, reducing red tape and giving developers more certainty in the planning process."
"‘Grey belt’ development opens up new possibilities for affordable housing but comes with requirements that may challenge long-term viability."
"The market dictates how many homes get built. Planning reform alone won’t hit 1.5 million homes without greater public sector support."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Hybrid Planning & Development
National Planning Policy Framework
EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT
Mark Baigent: Local matters when it comes to Housing Delivery
Chris Williamson: How One Book Changed My Life
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how
architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.
CONNECT & CONTACT
Instagram
LinkedIn
Email: [email protected] -
In this episode of Urban Forecast, hosts Oliver Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Mark Baigent, Corporate Director of Regeneration and Culture at Redbridge Council, to explore his extensive career in housing delivery and urban regeneration. From his early days advising on housing for the homeless to leading major council-led building programs, Mark shares the challenges and triumphs of delivering quality housing at scale. He reflects on how councils are re-entering the housing market, discusses his role in establishing local housing companies, and unpacks the financial and political intricacies of regeneration projects.
Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of our cities, the importance of political alignment, and the strategies councils are using to meet housing demand while enhancing community spaces. Perfect for professionals and enthusiasts in urban planning, local governance, and housing policy. -
In the third episode of our series on Co-Living, we sit down with Damien Sharkey, Managing Director of HUB, to explore how his background as an Architect allows him and the team at HUB to re-imagine the urban environment to provide high quality homes for renters and sharers across the Built-to-Rent and Co-Living Sectors. Damien reflects on his early years in his family's joinery business in Ireland, which ignited his passion for architecture. He shares insights into his transition into development, the essential skills he's carried over from his architectural background, and HUB's distinctive approach to creating quality homes across the UK
Together, we delve into the challenges and triumphs of landmark projects, including the UK's first institutionally funded build-to-rent scheme and the innovative repurposing of existing buildings in Central London to provide quality co-living homes and a new destination for the City of London. -
In the final part of our series on Urban Co-Living, we welcome Jenna Harris, Head of Co-Living and Co-Founder of Harris Studios at Harris Associates. Jenna shares her expert insights and innovative ideas on the evolving world of co-living.
Join us as we discuss the journey of Harris Associates, a leading firm in real estate known for its groundbreaking strategies and creative marketing solutions. Jenna talks about her background, from her start in digital marketing to her role in shaping modern co-living spaces.
We explore how marketing, content, and property come together to create vibrant living environments, and discuss the challenges and opportunities in the co-living sector, including changes in investor interests and the importance of community-driven spaces.
Harris Associates leads the way in innovation, creating tailored, content-driven campaigns that achieve outstanding results in real estate. Whether you’re an investor, a real estate professional, or curious about the future of urban living, this episode offers valuable insights into the trends and changes shaping our cities.
Discover how Harris Associates is setting new standards in co-living. Don’t miss this insightful conversation with one of the industry's leading thinkers. Listen now to be inspired by the future of co-living!
Please note, this episode was recorded on 6th December 2023, and some topics discussed may have evolved since then. -
Welcome to our special three-part series on the emerging co-living sector. In this series, we explore how co-living is transforming urban living and addressing critical societal issues.
In our first episode, we sit down with Brent Stojanovic, a seasoned expert in creative communications, brand development, and the property sector. Brent is the Director of Verv Life specialists in management of BTR, Co-Living and PBSA properties. Brent discusses the significant role co-living plays in combating loneliness and building community in today's society. With insights from a Savills study identifying a substantial market for co-living, we delve into how this innovative housing model creates supportive environments and meaningful connections for individuals living alone.
Join us as we uncover the potential of co-living to reshape urban living and enhance the well-being of residents. -
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Carolyn Steel, the visionary author behind Sitopia: How Food Can Save the World and Hungry City: How Food Shapes Our Lives. With over 1 million views on her TED Talk, "How Food Shapes Our Cities," Carolyn delves into the intricate relationship between urban environments and the natural infrastructure needed to sustain them.
Join us as we explore how cities can integrate natural systems to create more resilient and sustainable urban spaces. We also discuss our exciting collaboration with the urban farm ‘Growing Communities’ in Dagenham, where we're developing a new visitors’ centre aimed at educating the public about the essential role of natural systems in food production. Discover how food can transform our cities for the better!
Tune in for a conversation that promises to redefine how we think about the spaces we live in and the food that sustains us. -
Chris Williamson is Chairman of the board at Weston Williamson + Partners which he founded in 1985.
Chris was recently the International Vice President of the RIBA responsible for setting a strategy to grow into a global membership institution and to encourage more UK architects to seek work globally, and is running for RIBA President at the moment.
This episode covers how one book changed his life and took him from a rural midlands village to running a successful London-based practice with his business partner for 40 years, before selling the business last year.
The episode also covers Chris’ opinion on the challenges that the industry faces, and the changing role of the architect in a rapidly changing world. -
If you missed us at UKREiiF - catch all the insights here! In this episode of the Urban Forecast Podcast, live-streamed from the ‘Industry in Focus’ Pavilion at UKREiiF 2024, our panel of experts: Nicholas Boys Smith, Tim Heatley, Dan Swords and Ghislaine Halpenny, discuss the future of housing and placemaking.
In this engaging and informal session, our panelists explore ‘Shaping Our Places in the Next 5 Years, tackling key topics such as regeneration, community engagement, and the pivotal role of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in urban development.
The conversation is rich with practical insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping our urban environments, making it a must-listen for those interested in the latest trends in sustainable development.
Grab a drink, sit back, and tune in to this stimulating episode that brings the lively UKREiiF discussion directly to you.
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Karolina Grebowiec-Hall is Planning Decisions Manager at Enfield Council and started the 'Pinch yourself You're a Planner Podcast' in response to her feeling that the planning profession hasn’t been getting the admiration it deserves.
In her words "Planners are a passionate bunch. We need opportunities to take back the conversation, define by ourselves who we are and reclaim the joy of what we do.
Pinch Yourself, You’re a Planner is a spirited place containing a mine of stories from planners all over the UK about what they take pride in and how they stay optimistic and engaged"
In this episode we discuss Karolina's reflections on the UK and London Planning system, its challenges and nuances, and where it succeeds and fails. She gives us a Planners' view on the application process, and we discuss the potential opportunities and downsides of planning reform. -
Mete Coban’s passion for giving young people a voice stems from his own experiences growing up in Hackney. Listen to this episode to hear about his inspiring journey; born in an estate in Hackney, and now Cabinet Member for Energy, Waste, Transport and Public Realm.
He was the youngest ever elected Councillor in the London borough of Hackney, he has been implementing the Climate Emergency Plan in the London Borough of Hackney, introducing the most radical transport plan in London, as well as green grants and a pioneering Community Energy Fund.
As Chief Executive of My Life My Say, Mete is best known for contributing to the increase of turnout for young people at the 2017 and 2019 UK General Elections.
In the New Years 2020 honours list, Mete received an MBE for services to young people recognising his efforts to make politics more accessible for the younger generation.
In this fascinating episode, Mete talks us through how the challenges of his childhood have empowered him as a young leader to seek out a voice for young people.
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Join us for this collaborative episode between Urban Forecast and the 1:100 Podcast.
For those who haven’t heard of the 1:100 Architecture Podcast, it is a transformative platform uniting architects and creatives worldwide. Through raw and relatable personal experiences as 7 women of colour, they ignite an ethical design approach while expanding opportunities for design enthusiasts everywhere. Their mission is to empower individuals like them, fostering confidence in their unique abilities to thrive with originality, creativity, and innovation. By curating engaging content, design tips, and thought-provoking architectural conversations, 1:100 cater to diverse backgrounds, inspiring confidence and enabling individuals to embrace their full potential.
In this joint episode, we discuss different perspectives on the role of the Architect, and how the education system currently serves those entering the industry from diverse backgrounds, and how entrepreneurship can allow the profession to transform in a shifting economy. -
Join us in this episode where Nicholas Boys Smith, the Chair of the Government’s Office for Place and Founder of Create Streets, sets out his vision for how we tackle the two fundamental challenges that have changed the direction of planning policy, as well as his career:
It matters that we don’t have enough homesIt matters what people like when it comes to the places that we createA drive through South London 12 years ago led Nicholas on a voyage of discovery to try to understand why the places that the current planning and development system creates appear (in his words) to “replicate many, but not all, of the errors of what it is replacing”
Nicholas founded Create Streets to try to understand what people actually want, and advocate for design solutions that will lead to better outcomes in terms of resident satisfaction, and allow developers to build places that ‘make people fall in love with the future’.
His work on the Building Better Building Beautiful Commission led to a role Chairing the Governments’ new Office for Place, which has been influential in the creation of planning policy over the last five years.
In this episode, Nicholas describes his background, what drives his passion for places, and how he goes about working with private and public sector partners to define the future of our urban and sub-urban realm.
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Welcome to this week's episode of our podcast, where we're joined by Danny Thorpe, former Leader of Greenwich Council whose passion for transforming places was shaped by his upbringing in the Ferrier Estate in Greenwich.
In this episode, Danny takes us through his route into politics where his passion for social justice and community welfare saw him chosen for the role of Cabinet Member for Regeneration, before taking on the role of Leader of the Council.
Danny discusses his experience of working with the Public and Private sectors to deliver ambitious transformation within the borough.
As the former Leader of Greenwich Council, Danny spearheaded “Greenwich Builds”, the largest council house building programme the borough had ever seen and led responses to critical challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic. His leadership extended to broader roles within London, including overseeing health and care portfolios for London Councils.
Today, Danny continues his impactful role working for Clarion Housing Association where he shapes the future of our cities through housing development and political advocacy.
Join us as we delve into Danny's inspiring journey, his influence on the intersection of politics and property, and his enduring commitment to creating inclusive and thriving urban communities.
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In the latest episode of the Urban Forecast, Ben Cross, Development Director at General Projects, shares his transformative journey from The North to the architecture scene in London. After a decade in renowned practices, Ben pivoted to development, realising the innate synergy between creative thinking and solving large-scale, complex problems. At General Projects, he uses his architectural background to navigate the issues that need to be solved when reimagining existing buildings, emphasising the need for creative solutions aligned with business plans and investor expectations. Don't miss this episode for a concise exploration of Ben Cross's unique path, and the insights that he has gained from working at one of the UK’s most pioneering commercial developers.
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In the latest episode of the Urban Forecast podcast, Krupa Sheth, the youngest councillor ever elected in Brent, takes us on a compelling journey from her unexpected entry into politics whilst still at University, to the transformation of the Borough of Brent during her time in Local Government. Reflecting on the constant concerns of the Brent community, including clean environments, education, and housing, Krupa discusses her instrumental part in crafting Brent's climate emergency policies and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. She explores the delicate balance between urban development and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of transparent dialogue with developers, and with residents. The conversation concludes with insights into the impact of budget cuts on local services and the critical need for national support in investing in local councils. Join us for a thought-provoking episode, where Krupa Sheth's experiences highlights the complex interplay of local governance, urban development, and climate action in shaping the urban forecast.
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In this captivating interview, we sit down with Matt Griffiths-Rimmer, the Director of Communications and Impact at Hadley Property Group, to explore his unique journey from being a musician in his twenties and thirties to his role working at Hadley Properties focusing on engaging with Communities and Businesses to re-imagine how Placemaking can be undertaken in Regeneration Projects.
Matt's transition from a "crazy artist" to a community advocate makes him the ideal person to negotiate the complex process of weaving creative communities into the fabric of a new development, and also makes him an ideal guest to talk about the future of cities.
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In this episode of Urban Forecast, we delve into the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and architecture with guest Allister Lewis. A former architect turned AI enthusiast, Allister shares insights into the evolving landscape of AI tools within the construction industry. The conversation explores:
The likely significant impact of AI on the architecture and construction industries, particularly in generative design.The experimentation phase expected over the next three years, and how the industry will transform over the next 5-10 yearsThe potential for AI to unleash Offsite ConstructionThe potential for AI to create efficiency and redundancy in the same measure.The episode concludes with a sneak peek into Allister's startup, which aims to create a comprehensive marketplace for architecture, engineering, and construction software, promising to revolutionise the way professionals discover, test, and adopt these innovative solutions.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the evolving relationship between AI and the future of architecture and construction.
- Visa fler
