Urban Forecast

In this episode of the Urban Forecast Podcast, we deep dive into the co-living sector with Paul Wellman and James Hanmer, both experts in this brand-new, but rapidly expanding sector. We explore how big the demand for the product is, the challenges that exist for those delivering and funding it, and the different types of products that are emerging to meet this demand.

Get ready for an exhilarating episode, where we go behind the scenes of UKREiiF, the UK’S fastest-growing and most disruptive property sector event.We sat down with Matt Christie, Director External Relations and Content at UKREiiF, to discuss the layers of strategies aimed at crafting a program of activities that drive the success of UKREiiF. We delve into how they’ve made UKREiiF more accessible, inviting broader participation and enabling attendees to voice their concerns directly to decision-makers...and how this is changing the landscape of property events through its success. Their strategy extends to engaging young and hard-to-reach individuals in the built environment, offering them a platform, stimulating future decision-making.

In the latest episode of Urban Forecast, Ashley Perry, Investment Director at Apache Capital, joins us. We delve into many topics, from insights gained at a ULI UK event to the broad spectrum of build-to-rent operators and their strategic development processes. We examine the transformation of regional cities and unused sites into thriving communities, discuss the rental market dynamics in light of tax reforms, and foresee the future of the build-to-rent sector, including growth trajectories and the transition to long-term ownership.

In the latest episode of Urban Forecast, we were joined by Jonathan Director of Inward Investment & Higher Education Academic Relationships at London Borough of Waltham Forest.In this episode, we cover Jonathan’s background working within a number of the former New Towns, and focus on the work Jonathan is currently engaged in; rapidly transforming the vibrant borough of Waltham Forest.In this conversation, we cover the conversion of iconic landmarks into lively community centres, the inspiring collaborations that have moulded the borough, and Waltham Forest's ambitious plans, which emphasises a net-zero carbon future.

In an emergency, unscheduled episode, we sat down with Peter George on the Urban Forecast Podcast to discuss the state of the industry, and what he recommends that RIBA do to attempt to reverse the decline.Peter is Strategic Director of Economy and Sustainability at London Borough of Ealing and also shares his vision for the many departments in the borough that report to him. In this episode, Peter also reflects on his experience leading the Meridian Water project whilst the Director of Development at LB Enfield. This is one of the best and most exciting episodes we have recorded, you don’t want to miss this! 

In this episode we speak to Kunle Barker; Property & Construction Expert, Writer, & Broadcaster. Kunle is the star of Channel 4’s Project Home with Nick Grimshaw, ITV’s ‘Save Money: My Beautiful Green Home and has a regular column in Architects Journal.Kunle has 20 years of experience in the Construction and Design industry, having delivered thousands of residential refurbishments, 120 Schools and 3 sports centres refits with his company Illustrious Homes.In 2018, he won the Property Expert of the Year award. Apart from his work with his company, Kunle has consulted with the central government working with RT. Hon. Mathew Hancock.His knowledge of different construction and building topics and his experience writing a regular column for the Architects Journal and for the Homes & Property Section of the Evening Standard make him the perfect guest for this brand-new episode.

In this episode we speak to Ghislaine Halpenny; Director of ESG and Corporate Affairs at Regal London.Ghislaine has over a decade’s experience at the British Property Federation leading their external affairs work and managing reputational challenges for the wider commercial real estate industry.In her current role, she oversees Regal London’s broad ESG strategy and all corporate communications including a lively digital team. She’s also the internal ‘People’s Champion’ with responsibility for ED&I and culture.Ghislaine’s experience in sustainability and the wider real estate industry make her the perfect guest to talk about the role sustainability will play when building the cities of the future.

In this episode, we speak to Alice Holden, Farmitect at Sitopia Farm, an Urban Farm in Barking and Dagenham.Alice has over 20 years of experience working on organic farms of various types and scales. Since 2012, she has been Head Grower at Growing Communities’ Dagenham farm and led the transformation of a disused ex-council nursery site into a productive peri-urban, organic, urban farm.Her work shows that urban farming can successfully combine environmental and community benefits, making her the perfect guest for our new episode of Urban Forecast.

In this episode we speak to Nick Bowes; Chief Executive of the Centre for London.Nick has over 20 years of experience in public affairs, policy, campaigning and politics at senior level in trade associations, government, professional societies and political parties. He was Sadiq Khan's Director of Policy at City Hall for five years and has a long track record of delivery in large organisations.In his roles, Nick’s knowledge of how to translate research into effective policy, plus his incredible passion for London make him the perfect guest for our new episode of Urban Forecast.

In our 7th episode of Season 2, we sat down with Claire Bennie, Director at Municipal and part of Sadiq Khan’s Mayor’s Design Advocate team.Claire holds numerous high profile roles in the industry including Chair of the Design Advisory Group for LB Enfield’s Meridian Water scheme and Design Review Panels at Brighton & Hove and Kingston councils.Claire’s experience as an Architect, and then a Development Director for a Housing Association gave her a unique insight into what ingredients are required to deliver quality housing that works for the people that occupy it. This knowledge informs Claire’s current work at Municipal, and her incredible experience is shown in the recently published ‘Delivering Quality Homes Handbook’This episode is a must-listen for any professional that procures housing, and any designer employed by them!