Building Affordable Housing: Colm Lacey's Journey in Real Estate

In this episode, of Accelerating Careers in Real Estate, I get to sit down with Colm Lacey, Founder and Director of Soft Cities, Chair of London's CLT, and Group Director of Capital Projects for New City College. Colm discusses his impressive career in housing and regeneration, sharing insights from his time at Brick by Brick, Lambeth, Newham, and Croydon Council. Colm talks with honesty about periods of huge growth, and success but also how he handled a very public downfall of Brick by Brick.

Colm also reflects on his educational background, the challenges of delivering affordable housing, and his passion for improving public sector processes. The conversation offers a detailed look at Colm's professional journey, his vision for urban development, and the lessons learned along the way.

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00:00 Introduction to the Guest: Colm Lacey

01:00 Colm's Early Life and University Days

02:02 First Steps in the Professional World

03:14 Transition to Regeneration Projects

04:32 Master's Degree and Career Realization

07:57 Challenges and Successes in Brixton

12:48 Strategic Role at Homes and Communities Agency

18:11 Return to Newham and Olympic Legacy

24:55 Transforming Croydon with Brick by Brick

30:41 Career Challenges and Successes

31:37 Brick by Brick: Context and Controversy

33:41 Ambitions and Achievements

36:25 Public Criticism and Reflection

38:35 Political and Economic Challenges

48:36 Transition to Soft Cities

48:58 Quickfire Questions and Insights

56:59 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

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