Urban Forecast

RIBA is set to spend £85 million on refurbishing its London HQ - but could that money be better spent elsewhere? In this episode of Urban Forecast, we debate how those funds could be used to truly benefit the architectural profession. From AI’s impact on design to the need for research and development, we explore where investment could drive real industry change - rather than becoming a prestige project. Join us for an insightful discussion on how to build a better future for architects and the cities they shape.Key Takeaways:AI in Architecture – While AI presents opportunities, it also threatens to erode the traditional role of architects.RIBA’s Responsibility – The £85 million should be invested in initiatives that truly benefit architects rather than prestige projects.Incubation Spaces – Creating research and development hubs could drive innovation but would need to be commercially viable.Material Testing Facilities – Allocating funds to test new materials could help improve sustainability and safety in architecture.Supporting Young Architects – Financial backing for emerging talent and start-ups would strengthen the profession’s future.Industry Collaboration – A portion of the funds should go towards fostering stronger connections between architects, developers, and policymakers.Making Cities Better – Any investment should ultimately contribute to improving the built environment, aligning with RIBA’s core mission.The Grenfell Impact – The tragedy reshaped building regulations, yet timber, an inherently sustainable material, was banned while other riskier materials remained in use.Best Moments (Quotes):“What I don’t think it should be is a vanity project for RIBA. It needs to actually make a difference in building better cities.”“AI has the potential to reshape the profession, but could it also diminish the role of the architect?”“Grenfell was a concrete-frame building wrapped in plastic and metal, yet timber got banned. Where’s the logic in that?”“£85 million sounds like a lot, but when you break it down, it barely scratches the surface of what’s needed.”VALUABLE RESOURCESRiba £85m Proposal - https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/knowledge-landing-page/riba-house-of-architecture-investment-plans-revealed#:~:text=The%20%C2%A385%20million%20proposal,more%20widely%20than%20ever%20beforeAckroyd Lowrie - https://www.ackroydlowrie.com/EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTHow ESG can make you money and help the planet with Andy Cox - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqQWYGnAuYQIs the Future of Housing Rental? With Michael Keaveney from Grainger PLC - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KUCVQHJ0HgABOUT 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 - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ackroyd-lowrie/Email: info@ackroydlowrie.com

Is renting the future of housing in the UK? In this episode of Urban Forecast, we sit down with Michael Keaveney, Director of Land and Development at Grainger PLC, to explore the evolution of Build to Rent (BTR) and its impact on the housing market. From navigating planning challenges to the sustainability debate, Michael shares his insights on where the sector is heading, the role of investors, and whether BTR can truly help solve the UK’s housing crisis.We also discuss the 'Goldilocks zone' for BTR viability, why placemaking is critical to long-term success, and the policy changes that could make or break the industry’s growth. Whether you're an investor, developer, or simply interested in the future of housing, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Key Takeaways:Build to Rent is here to stay – BTR has grown significantly in recent years, but challenges remain in scaling it to meet demand.The ‘Goldilocks’ principle – BTR only works in locations where land costs and rental income align, making it viable in some areas but not others.Sustainability is a renter’s concern—up to a point – Operational energy costs matter, but embodied carbon remains low on the priority list for tenants.The importance of placemaking – BTR developments thrive when they integrate well with their surroundings and contribute to local communities.Policy and investment are crucial – Government subsidies, planning reform, and investor confidence all shape the future of the sector.COVID-19 accelerated the rise of BTR – Lockdowns highlighted the importance of quality rental housing with strong amenities.Tenant expectations are evolving – More renters are considering EPC ratings and total cost of living when choosing a home.Subsidy is essential for affordable housing – Without increased government support, BTR alone won’t solve the UK’s housing crisis.Best Moments (Quotes):“COVID-19 really proved the value of Build to Rent – people started to understand why quality rental housing matters.”“If you get placemaking wrong, your development won’t work – it has to feel like part of the community, not just a block of flats.”“The reality is, you can’t have subsidised housing without subsidy – social rent needs serious government support.”“There’s a ‘Goldilocks’ zone for Build to Rent – too expensive, and it doesn’t stack up. Too cheap, and it won’t get built.”VALUABLE RESOURCESAckroyd LowrieGrainger PLCEPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTModernise or Die: the hard truths about MMC and housing deliveryHow ESG can make you money and help the planet with Andy Cox 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 & CONTACTInstagramLinkedInEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com

Join Andy Cox, Director and co-founder of Trigon, who brings his expertise in real estate and sustainable development to the conversation. He shares his unconventional journey from karaoke to construction and emphasizes that sustainability is essential, not optional. Explore the challenges of navigating increased regulations, the risk of stranded assets, and how developers are adapting to rising ESG expectations. Plus, hear predictions for the future of urban planning and housing in an ever-changing landscape.

Jay Morton, Director at Bell Phillips Architects and former political candidate, dives into the nexus of architecture and politics. He shares his unique path from biochemistry to advocacy, emphasizing architects as vital activists in shaping sustainable housing. The conversation explores the critical need for community engagement, local leadership's impact on urban development, and the ongoing challenges of retrofitting buildings. Morton also addresses the push for innovation amidst regulatory hurdles, highlighting the importance of a stable government vision in driving trust and effective project delivery.

Mark Farmer, Chief Executive of Cast Consultancy and author of "Modernise or Die," shares his insights on the urgent need for the housing industry to embrace modern methods of construction (MMC). He discusses the challenges posed by an aging workforce and post-Brexit labor constraints, while emphasizing that current construction methods are unsustainable. Farmer reveals the lessons from high-profile MMC failures and pushes for bold collaboration to align policies and funding. He highlights the critical importance of adapting quickly to meet sustainability and market demands.

Shravan Joshi, Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, shares insights on the transformative Vision 2040 framework. He discusses the balance between sustainability and the preservation of London's rich heritage, along with the rise of retrofit-first policies. Joshi highlights the significance of green finance in urban development and how hybrid working impacts office space design. He draws inspiration from global cities like Paris and New York, emphasizing the collaborative efforts needed for a sustainable urban future.

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 TAKEAWAYSThe 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 ShawVALUABLE RESOURCESLabour TogetherAckroyd LowrieEPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTDanielle St PierreLabour Reacts to the budget: Can we deliver £1.5 million homesABOUT 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 & CONTACTInstagramLinkedInEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com

DESCRIPTIONJoin 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 TAKEAWAYSMoral 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 ShawVALUABLE RESOURCESLabour TogetherAckroyd LowrieEPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTDanielle St PierreMark Baigent 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 & CONTACTInstagramLinkedInEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com

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 TAKEAWAYSBrownfield 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 RESOURCESHybrid Planning & DevelopmentNational Planning Policy FrameworkEPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXTMark Baigent: Local matters when it comes to Housing DeliveryChris Williamson: How One Book Changed My LifeABOUT 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 howarchitecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.CONNECT & CONTACTInstagramLinkedInEmail: info@ackroydlowrie.com

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.