Urban Forecast

Ackroyd Lowrie
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Oct 7, 2025 • 36min

The Future of the City of London with Tom Sleigh

In this episode of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd are joined by Tom Sleigh, Councillor for Bishopsgate Ward at the City of London Corporation and Chair of the Planning & Transportation Committee. Tom offers an insider’s perspective on how the City is shaping its future. He explains how to balance heritage with tall towers and how the Square Mile is being reimagined as a cultural and leisure destination. He also shares stories from his visit to Ukraine, reflections on London’s resilience, and why retrofit-first planning could be key to sustainable growth.Whether you are interested in the politics of planning, the meeting of old and new, or how cities find meaning beyond finance, this conversation gives a clear look at what makes London work today and how it might change tomorrow.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe City of London has a unique political setup, with no party system and committee-led decision-making, which creates space for collaboration across traditional divides.Living in central London brings disruption such as construction, nightlife and transport. It is part of the reality of living in a vibrant global city.After Covid, the City’s focus is less on increasing residential numbers and more on boosting footfall through culture, food, leisure and hospitality. This is part of the “Destination City” strategy.Balancing heritage and skyscrapers is still contentious. Tom argues that the blend of old and new is what makes the City iconic.The City’s retrofit-first planning policy makes it a leader in sustainable development, with half of all London retrofits taking place within the Square Mile.London remains resilient as a global financial centre because of its time-zone advantage, English common law, and the pound’s position between the euro and dollar.Cultural venues and heritage play a crucial role in giving cities meaning. Finance alone cannot provide that sense of identity.Major projects on the horizon, such as Smithfield Market’s regeneration and the Museum of London’s relocation, promise to transform the City’s cultural landscape. BEST MOMENTS“Yes, we want to bring people back, but it doesn’t mean we want them to live here.”“When you cycle across Tower Bridge and see the Tower of London with the eastern cluster behind it, it looks amazing.”“The City of London does half of all of London’s retrofits. We’re way ahead of the pack.”“Culture is where a city finds its meaning. It is not just in tall buildings or finance.”VALUABLE RESOURCEShttps://www.ackroydlowrie.com https://www.cityoflondon.gov.ukEPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTThe devastating effect of cars in our cities with Henrietta L. Moore & Arthur Kayhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44TWO0rTwtg Engineering a Greener Future with Steve Webbhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHIfzm-aMZAABOUT THE HOSTSJon 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 & CONTACTInstagram
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Sep 29, 2025 • 27min

Engineering a Greener Future with Steve Webb

In this episode of Urban Forecast, hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Steve Webb, Director of Webb Yates Engineers, at Milieu 134 Old Street, a landmark project by HGG London. Designed around natural materials, Milieu is a workspace that reflects the future of sustainable architecture and the setting becomes part of the conversation itself.Steve shares how projects like Milieu point towards a new way of thinking about construction. He discusses the role of timber and stone in hybrid systems, the challenges of evolving fire regulations, and the wider cultural need for tenacity in the design industry. The conversation ranges from the forgotten lessons of 1990s sustainable architecture to the idea of developing a uniquely local architectural language in the UK.Recorded in a building that embodies these principles, this episode brings sustainability, engineering and design to life in a very real context.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe construction industry often lacks tenacity. Too many innovative ideas are dropped at the first sign of resistance instead of being pushed through to realisation.Sustainability in architecture is not new. It flourished in the 1990s but was largely forgotten after the financial crash of 2008.Hybrid timber and stone systems provide a path forward. They reduce reliance on concrete while offering the thermal mass needed to avoid air conditioning in lightweight buildings.Fire safety regulations following Grenfell have reshaped design, yet with careful thinking innovation remains possible.Cross-laminated timber still has value even when it is not left exposed. Its real importance lies in reducing embodied carbon, though more efficient uses of timber must be explored.Local materials can create distinct architectural languages. Just as Mallorca builds with sandstone, the UK should define its own future through homegrown resources.The industry continues to rely on Victorian era materials such as brick, despite their inefficiency and enormous carbon footprint.BEST MOMENTS“What’s missing most of the time is tenacity. People need to want to do it, make the argument, and push through the problem.”“We’re still using Victorian material in a unit sized for a sick Victorian labourer. The industry is incredibly backward.”“If you put CLT in a building but cover it up, people say what’s the point? But actually, there’s still a good point. It’s about carbon.”“Why aren’t there 7,000 architectural languages, one for each of the world’s 7,000 spoken languages?”VALUABLE RESOURCEShttps://www.ackroydlowrie.com https://webbyates.comhttps://hgglondon.co.uk/project/milieuEPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTThe Big Opportunity London Can’t Waste with Jace Tyrrellhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn00DOeooaE The devastating effect of cars in our cities with Henrietta L. Moore & Arthur Kayhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44TWO0rTwtg ABOUT THE HOSTSJon 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 & CONTACTInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/LinkedInhttp://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcastEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com
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Sep 22, 2025 • 40min

The devastating effect of cars in our cities with Henrietta L. Moore & Arthur Kay

In this episode of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Professor Dame Henrietta L. Moore, Founder and Director of the Institute for Global Prosperity at UCL, and Arthur Kay, CEO & Founder of Skyroom. Together they discuss their book Roadkill, which explores the urgent need to rethink our car-dominated cities. From the myths and politics surrounding 15-minute cities to the promises and risks of autonomous vehicles, this conversation challenges us to ask: what kind of urban future do we really want?KEY TAKEAWAYSCar ownership is deeply ingrained, but shifting towards people-centred cities is both possible and necessary.European cities like Paris and Barcelona show bold examples of reclaiming streets for pedestrians, though not without resistance.The rise of 15-minute cities has been misunderstood and politicised, sparking conspiracy theories during the pandemic.Autonomous vehicles may transform transport, but they risk worsening congestion and surveillance unless carefully regulated.Public perceptions often lag behind lived experiences: initial resistance to pedestrianisation often turns into long-term support.Car dependency drains household income and shapes city economies in damaging ways.Technology should be embraced thoughtfully, with policymakers setting boundaries that prioritise liveability.The future of urban transport is not inevitable - it will be determined by the decisions we make today. BEST MOMENTS“Why would you want to drink a beer next to a car? You much prefer to have a beer next to a person.” – Henrietta L. Moore“Cars are still going to be there, but I think the drivers are not.” – Arthur Kay“It shows how toxic, dangerous and controversial what was a relatively niche urban design policy can become if it’s picked up in the wrong way.” – Arthur Kay“Instead of protesting once something’s already happened, you need to be part of the process of deciding what is going to happen for you and with you.” – Henrietta L. MooreVALUABLE RESOURCEShttps://www.ackroydlowrie.com http://www.getroadkill.com/EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTThe Big Opportunity London Can’t Waste with Jace Tyrrellhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn00DOeooaE Housing and Regeneration in Tower Hamlets with David Joycehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M03j0_NPBPw ABOUT THE HOSTSJon 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 & CONTACTInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/LinkedInhttp://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcastEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com
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Sep 8, 2025 • 29min

The Big Opportunity London Can’t Waste with Jace Tyrrell

In this episode of Urban Forecast, Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd are joined by Jace Tyrrell, Chief Executive of Opportunity London. Jace shares how London can stay ahead in the global race for investment, why it matters that the city works together, and what we need to fix to attract the next wave of funding. From planning delays to public and private collaboration, this episode explores how to unlock billions for housing, transport and regeneration. It is a hopeful but honest look at what London needs to do next.KEY TAKEAWAYSLondon gives people space to be themselves, which sets it apart from other global citiesOpportunity London connects investors with projects to help get developments off the groundThe real competition is with cities like New York and Singapore, not other parts of the UKPlanning delays are a major barrier that push investors to faster-moving marketsBoroughs and developers need to collaborate more to unlock bigger opportunitiesThere is growing demand for mixed use places, greener streets and better transportLondon's planning system must become more flexible so buildings can adapt over timePublic private partnerships can work, but many councils need support to get investor ready BEST MOMENTS“We will become the poster child globally of mixed use.”“Our competition is Singapore, Paris, parts of the US.”“If it takes 12 years here and 2 years in the US, capital will go elsewhere.”“We are London's Cupid, matchmaking capital with projects.”VALUABLE RESOURCEShttps://www.ackroydlowrie.com https://opportunity.london/ EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTReinventing Affordable Living with Paul Rickard, CEO at Pocket Livinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyE1R-IZgdQ Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lesterhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to ABOUT THE HOSTSJon 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 & CONTACTInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/LinkedInhttp://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcastEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com
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Sep 1, 2025 • 40min

Housing and Regeneration in Tower Hamlets with David Joyce

In this episode of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with David Joyce, Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration at the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. David shares his insights into the challenges and opportunities of housing delivery in London, the importance of regeneration, and the delicate balance between community priorities, developer interests, and government policy. From Tower Hamlets’ impressive track record in housing delivery to the debate around co-living and the future of Canary Wharf, this conversation explores what it takes to shape thriving, sustainable communities in one of London’s most dynamic boroughs.KEY TAKEAWAYSTower Hamlets consistently leads London in housing delivery, outperforming other boroughs year after year.Despite delivery successes, the borough faces a decline in social rented homes due to high levels of leaseholders and right-to-buy.David stresses the importance of working in partnership with developers, investors, and community groups to deliver regeneration at scale.Co-living is a divisive issue: while it may offer flexibility, David questions whether it genuinely serves the needs of the communities it claims to support.Early-stage, low-cost planning meetings in Tower Hamlets encourage open dialogue with developers, making the borough attractive for investment.Major regeneration areas, such as Whitechapel and Canary Wharf, highlight the need to balance commercial development with housing provision.The borough’s diversity and strong community cohesion are seen as unique strengths that drive regeneration success.David advocates for policies that make traditional C3 residential housing more viable for developers, rather than simply restricting alternative models like co-living. BEST MOMENTS“Tower Hamlets has been the top housing delivery borough every single year for the last twenty years, and by a magnitude of two.”“I remain to be convinced that the co-living sector is genuinely delivering for the people it claims to serve.”“We’re not just regeneration-oriented, we’re community-oriented - this is our community, we live here.”“Sometimes we need to be less purist about place-making and focus on what communities actually need in their daily lives.”VALUABLE RESOURCEShttps://www.ackroydlowrie.com https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/Home.aspx EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTReinventing Affordable Living with Paul Rickard, CEO at Pocket Livinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyE1R-IZgdQ Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lesterhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to ABOUT THE HOSTSJon 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 & CONTACTInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/LinkedInhttp://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcastEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com
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Aug 18, 2025 • 33min

Biobased construction myths & how the UK can keep up with Europe - Anna Lisa McSweeney

In this episode of Urban Forecast, Oli and Jon are joined by Anna Lisa McSweeney, UK Networks Lead at Built by Nature, a pioneering not-for-profit working to accelerate the shift toward biobased construction materials. With a background in architecture and activism, Anna Lisa brings sharp insight into what the UK needs to do to keep up with Europe in timber construction, what myths still cloud the conversation, and how networks, funding, and data are being leveraged to unlock a low-carbon future for buildings. They discuss regulatory barriers, insurer perceptions, and the practical steps needed to mainstream natural materials in the built environment.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe UK is an outlier: Compared to Europe, the UK ranks fire safety as the number one perceived barrier to using timber, whereas other countries cite cost.Insurers aren't the problem, entirely: Many mass timber buildings already have insurance, but a lack of early engagement and data perpetuates hesitation.Natural materials require different thinking: Biobased materials like hemp and clay vary naturally, complicating traditional testing and approval methods.Data collection is crucial: From energy performance to human health benefits, there's a major push to build robust data sets to support wider adoption.Networks are the key: Built by Nature sees the strength of their stakeholder network, developers, insurers, designers, cities, as more powerful than grants alone.Design with nature, not against: The principles emerging around responsible timber construction advocate seeing ourselves as part of nature, not separate from it.Misconceptions fuel resistance: Concerns around deforestation and fire risk are often based on outdated or incorrect information that doesn't reflect current evidence. BEST MOMENTS“The UK sits as a bit of an outlier from the rest of the European networks… Fire is the number one perceived challenge.”“It must be safe, right? These buildings in America aren’t burning down.”“People perform better in timber buildings, heart rates go down, concentration goes up.”“We need to start collecting more data to show that energy performance is better than the U-value predictor suggests.”VALUABLE RESOURCEShttps://www.ackroydlowrie.com https:/www.builtbn.org EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTReinventing Affordable Living with Paul Rickard, CEO at Pocket Livinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyE1R-IZgdQ Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lesterhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to ABOUT THE HOSTSJon 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 & CONTACTInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/LinkedIn
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Aug 4, 2025 • 45min

Building Towns from Scratch with James Scott of Urban and Civic

In this episode of Urban Forecast, hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd are joined by James Scott, Group Director of Strategy and Planning at Urban&Civic plc. From Cold War airfields to thriving new communities, James shares his journey through law, development and the complex world of placemaking in the UK. He explains what it really means to build new places, with early investment, deep engagement and a commitment to long-term thinking. Expect sharp insight on policy, infrastructure, green space and why flexibility always beats prediction.KEY TAKEAWAYSFlexibility matters more than predictionIn long-term development, adaptability is far more valuable than fixed forecasts.Master developers are a different modelUrban&Civic does not build houses or just secure planning. They focus on infrastructure and placemaking, then partner with housebuilders.You must invest early in placemakingSignificant investment in community infrastructure, green space and schools builds long-term value and trust.Planning is only part of the issueThe UK grants 300,000 housing consents annually, but delivery is held back by economic conditions, policy and geography.Homes England can work wellDespite criticism, James highlights how Homes England has provided vital infrastructure finance that supports large-scale delivery.Regional differences matterLondon and regional areas face very different barriers to development. A one-size-fits-all policy approach does not work.Green space needs scaleStrategic green infrastructure is far more effective than fragmented pockets of space. Landscape-led planning is essential.Build with communities, not just for themSuccessful development depends on listening to future residents and adapting over time rather than imposing a fixed vision. BEST MOMENTS“Flexibility is better than prophecy.”“You’re not trying to say, at 15 years, improve that junction at this cost. That’s bonkers.”“It’s not about living next to a park. It’s about living in a park.”“Pattern books are written by people who don’t live on the site – they’re not the ones who have to live with it.”VALUABLE RESOURCEShttps://www.ackroydlowrie.com https://www.urbanandcivic.com EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTReinventing Affordable Living with Paul Rickard, CEO at Pocket Livinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyE1R-IZgdQ Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lesterhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to ABOUT THE HOSTSJon 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 & CONTACTInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/LinkedInhttp://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcastEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com
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Jul 21, 2025 • 21min

Reinventing Affordable Living with Paul Rickard, CEO at Pocket Living

Paul Rickard, CEO of Pocket Living, shares his expertise in affordable housing for first-time buyers and key workers in London. He discusses the unique design of Pocket homes, which cleverly maximize space while feeling spacious. Paul highlights the challenges faced by SME developers amid a volatile market and emphasizes the importance of financial fluency in housing innovation. Additionally, he advocates for creating community through accessible living spaces that foster social connections, revealing insights into the evolving landscape of urban affordability.
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Jul 15, 2025 • 26min

The Future of Inclusive Design and Women in Architecture with Ana McMillin

In this UKREiiF 2025 special episode of Urban Forecast, Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd are joined by Dr Ana McMillin, Director of Architecture at Broadway Malyan, steering committee member of Women in Architecture, and executive member of the Urban Design Group.Despite progress, cities continue to reflect a limited range of lived experiences. Too often, they are shaped by a small group of voices, leaving others excluded from the spaces where they live, work and move.Ana shares her insights from major regeneration projects, including the Aylesbury Estate, and explores what it means to create truly inclusive places. From consulting meaningfully with communities to rethinking the design of homes, streets and blocks, she outlines what must change in both practice and leadership.This episode challenges the status quo and asks how we can design cities that genuinely work for everyone.KEY TAKEAWAYSCities are still designed for some, not all: Too many lived experiences are still excluded from how we shape the built environment.Leadership must reflect society: Inclusion starts with who is making the decisions, not just how they’re made.The problem isn’t the guidance, it’s the delivery: We already know what makes a good place. We just don’t always implement it.Regeneration is about relationships, not just buildings: Rethinking the spaces between buildings can create a radically different lived experience.Community voices must shape design: From estate regeneration to street layouts, bottom-up planning makes cities more human.Design affects opportunity: Access to safe, well-connected spaces influences everything from work to culture to quality of life.The industry must confront its blind spots: Without intentional inclusivity, we will keep building cities that work best for the few.Everyday needs matter: Small changes, like storing a buggy, or feeling safe walking home are critical to inclusive design. BEST MOMENTS“People don't necessarily understand our language. So as architects, we have to find the language to communicate.”“It's not just about replacing eight-storey blocks with 20-storey towers. It's about completely rethinking the urban form.”“The built environment has been pretty much designed, built, funded by the same sort of people. That has to change.”“Sometimes the most important thing in a plan is a single tree – and letting that shape the entire masterplan.”VALUABLE RESOURCEShttps://www.ackroydlowrie.com https://www.harlow.gov.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTHarlow’s Regeneration Comeback | How Harlow Delivers More Homes with Cllr Dan Swordshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMcoe24JLPA Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lesterhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to ABOUT THE HOSTSJon 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 & CONTACTInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/LinkedInhttp://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcastEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com
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Jul 7, 2025 • 25min

Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lester

In this special UKREiiF 2025 edition of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Alice Lester, Director for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration at Brent Council. Alice shares her journey from a geography student fascinated by cities to shaping one of London’s most ambitious regeneration areas. They explore the delicate balance between delivering much-needed homes and protecting local character, the evolving role of green infrastructure, and how policy can either unlock or stifle good development. With honest insights from the frontlines of planning and place-making, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of our cities.KEY TAKEAWAYSAlice’s early fascination with urban geography and how human behaviour is shaped by the built environment sparked her career in planning.Her first ‘you had me at hello’ planning moment came atop Piccadilly Circus, inspecting air conditioning units behind the iconic Coca-Cola sign.Place-making is not one-size-fits-all: successful development responds to the unique identity of each neighbourhood.Brent’s regeneration, especially around Wembley Park, has been transformational, but local resistance highlights the need to bring communities along.The planning system is increasingly overburdened, with competing requirements leaving little room to negotiate on affordable housing.Green infrastructure and access to open space are now recognised as fundamental to health, happiness, and successful places.The decline in car ownership, coupled with better public transport and cycling infrastructure, is reshaping London’s urban landscape.Flexibility and pragmatism within local planning teams can help unlock stalled sites and drive delivery. BEST MOMENTS“If you’re annoying lots of people, you’re probably doing something right.”“The thing we want most is affordable housing… but that’s the only thing left to negotiate.”“You can’t just have a blueprint for development. You have to respond to the uniqueness of each place.”“Living in London’s good… and it’ll just get even better in the future.”VALUABLE RESOURCEShttps://www.ackroydlowrie.com https://www.harlow.gov.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTBuilding Fairer Cities with Cllr Claire Hollandhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UznEV9fWYS0Harlow’s Regeneration Comeback | How Harlow Delivers More Homes with Cllr Dan Swordshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMcoe24JLPA ABOUT THE HOSTSJon 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 & CONTACTInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/LinkedInhttp://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcastEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com

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