Introduction

In this episode of the EG Property Podcast, recorded live at the London Real Estate Forum, EG editor Samantha McClary sits down with five specialists from across the sector to make the case for regeneration or restoration (or retrofit) of buildings.

With a clear focus from the industry to do the right thing when it comes to climate change, there is an increasing proportion of refurbishments taking place rather than full scale development. An increasingly loud voice that is anti knock it down and build it up – see plans for M&S’s HQ on Oxford Street as an example – has left many in the development and planning world, unsure of what is expected of them.

Listen in to understand more about the case for and against knocking it down and starting again to deliver better and how the argument for redevelopment versus retrofitting is eerily similar to that of veganism versus an omnivorous diet.

Helping figure out the answer are:

• Ali Abbas, managing director, head of UK, Art-Invest
• Chris Cummings, director, Savills Earth, Savills
• Derek Griffin, head of acquisitions, Whitbread
• William Seymour, partner – real estate, Shoosmiths
• Katharine Woods, associate, DP9