Why Places Fail - and How to Build Ones That Don’t with Martyn Evans

In this episode of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Martyn Evans, Creative Director at Landsec, to explore how developers can create meaningful and enduring places, not just buildings.

Martyn shares the story of his unconventional entry into property through The Truman Brewery, and how authenticity, reuse, and patient vision can unlock extraordinary long-term value. He explains why developers must think beyond spreadsheets, why storytelling is an essential tool in shaping places, and how architects can prove their relevance by aligning design with purpose and performance.

This is a rich conversation about people, place, and the real ingredients of successful regeneration.


KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Great places start with people. Understanding how people live, work, and connect is the foundation of meaningful development.

Reuse over rebuild. The Truman Brewery’s transformation proves the value of working with what's already there.

Value takes time. Truly successful places may take decades to mature, but the long-term payoff is worth it.

Shared risk builds momentum. Turnover rent models and collaborative leasing strategies help unlock new opportunities.

Authenticity creates resilience. Real places, developed with care and patience, stand the test of time.

Creative direction matters. A clear narrative and strong design leadership bring coherence to complex urban sites.

Rethink the definition of value. Footfall, culture, and distinctiveness can be just as powerful as traditional covenants.

Architects must prove impact. Designers need to clearly demonstrate how their work adds commercial and social value.


BEST MOMENTS:

“Why would you not want to make a load of money by doing good stuff?”

“You don't need to demolish buildings if you can bring them back to life with a broom and a bit of vision.”

“Financial value is intimately connected to meaning. People go to places they want to be in places that resonate with them.”

“Start with ‘once upon a time’ and end with ‘the end’. The buildings come after the story.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 
https://landsec.com


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

How the Building Safety Act Is Changing Everything - Varun Soni
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei9p9yr1LKw

Global Challenges, Local Solutions for Architects – with Gary McLuskey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHJAWHJKrm4


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

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Email: info@ackroydlowrie.com