Better Places

Chief Executive of Hackney Wick and Fish Island CDT, Patrick Scally, joins Nick Dines to explore how grassroots leadership, long-term stewardship and community collaboration are reshaping regeneration in East London.

In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Managing Director Nick Dines is joined by Patrick Scally, Chief Executive of Hackney Wick and Fish Island Community Development Trust (CDT).

The conversation explores:

How the Cambridge Growth Company is setting the stage for infrastructure-led, inclusive development.

Peter Freeman, Chairman of the Cambridge Growth Company and co-founder of Argent, joins Better Places to share a bold vision for Cambridge’s future. Drawing on his experience delivering major regeneration projects such as King’s Cross, Peter outlines how the newly established Growth Company will tackle the city’s most pressing infrastructure challenges.

With Cambridge facing mounting pressures on transport, water, and energy, the Growth Company’s “infrastructure-first” approach aims to unlock sustainable development at scale, combining new homes, jobs, schools, and public spaces in integrated masterplans. Backed by a new evidence base and expert team, the company will play a central role in attracting long-term private investment.

Peter also stresses that the city’s growth must be inclusive. Connecting all communities to Cambridge’s economic success, through better transport, targeted training, and access to opportunity, is key to creating a fairer future.

Tune in to hear how Peter plans to make Cambridge a global exemplar of placemaking by 2050, and what it means for the region, its people, and its future

Leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet, joins Concilio’s Account Director Siddo Dwyer for a conversation on housing, inclusive growth and estate regeneration.

In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Account Director Siddo Dwyer sits down with Cllr Peray Ahmet, Leader of Haringey Council. 

Since becoming Leader in 2021, Peray has overseen a shift in the borough’s trajectory: restoring confidence in housing delivery, embedding a renewed focus on inclusive growth, and retelling the story of a borough with ambition.

The conversation explores:

Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!

Leader of Harlow Council, Cllr Dan Swords, joins Concilio’s Nick Dines and Salvatore Pagdades to discuss the bold and ambitious plans for Harlow’s future.

In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Managing Director Nick Dines and Account Executive Salvatore Pagdades sit down with Cllr Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council.

Key points discussed:

·      Dan’s six ‘missions’ for the council
·      Building Harlow’s Future plan - including bold town centre regeneration plans
·      Harlow and Gilston Garden Town
·      Harlow Growth Board and its new Chair
·      Influence of Sir Frederick Gibberd’s New Town 

As local government reform and a proposed Mayoral Combined Authority loom, Dan shares his views on how Harlow can lead - not be led - in shaping its next chapter.

 Don’t miss this conversation – listen now! 

Newly elected Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, Tom Sleigh, joins Concilio’s Associate Director Luke Tatton.

In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Associate Director Luke Tatton sits down with Tom Sleigh, newly elected Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee.

Key points discussed:

·      Fresh leadership at a pivotal time for the Square Mile

·      The Draft City Plan 2040 and its focus on retrofit, sustainability and growth

·      Major cultural investment, including the Barbican Renewal

·      Emerging priorities in AI, urban design and inclusive public realm

·      The evolving ground-floor strategy and its role in attracting workers and visitors

·      Balancing historic character with a dynamic, future-facing skyline


This episode offers insight into the new leadership and vision of Tom Sleigh as the City looks to its future.


Don’t miss this conversation – listen now! 

Nick Dines speaks to the CEO of Hub about BTR, co-living and unlocking stalled sites.

On this episode of the Better Places Podcast, Concilio’s Nick Dines is joined by Robert Sloss, CEO of Hub, for a deep dive into how Build to Rent has evolved in the UK and what it takes to drive true regeneration. From transforming Maidenhead town centre to unlocking complex sites in Romford and Croydon, Robert discusses the power of institutional capital, the challenges of viability, and the future of co-living. 

A must-listen for developers, planners, and anyone shaping the future of our urban centres. 

Shaun joins Concllio's Managing Director to discuss commercial real estate in the City Fringe and how Compton seeks to stand out by challenging industry norms.

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In the latest edition of the Concilio Better Places podcast, Shaun Simons, founder of Compton, joined Concilio's Managing Director Nick Dines to discuss the evolving landscape of commercial real estate in London’s city fringe.

Shaun shared insights into Compton’s journey to its current role as a leading agency specialising in vibrant, creative districts. He highlighted the challenges of making commercial property more engaging, emphasising branding, storytelling, and community integration.

The discussion covered shifting market dynamics post-COVID, the rise of flexible office spaces, and the impact of planning policies on development. Shaun also addressed the future of Canary Wharf, the oversupply of office space in certain areas, and the need for more adaptive planning strategies.

Looking ahead, Shaun explains how Compton aims to continue challenging industry norms, embrace innovation, and expand its influence in London’s commercial property sector.

How TfL’s land is being transformed into new homes, places, and genuine social value

In this episode of Better Places, Concilio’s Siddo Dwyer is joined by Graeme Craig, CEO of Places for London, and Mark Walker, the organisation’s Strategic Engagement Lead. Together they discuss how Places for London is reshaping the capital by unlocking land around transport hubs to deliver thousands of new homes and public spaces.

From Bollo Lane to Cockfosters, we explore how the team is tackling London’s biggest challenges - housing need, sustainability, and trust in development—while delivering value back into the transport network. Mark shares lessons from a career in political engagement and explains why listening to communities from day one is key.

This is an insightful look at how public land can be harnessed for public good—without compromising on ambition or delivery. Listen now!

Concilio’s Managing Director, Nick Dines, sat down with the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow, at UKREiiF.

In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Managing Director, Nick Dines, sat down with the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow, at UKREiiF to discuss Our Time is Now – the Mayor’s bold vision for unlocking the region’s full potential.

Paul highlighted the importance of ensuring growth benefits for the whole region – not just Cambridge, but also places like Peterborough, which he sees as having significant untapped potential. He committed to strategic infrastructure like a Cambridge Light Rail system - calling it more suitable and future-proof than current bus-based schemes such as CSET.

Paul also spoke about the need for greater political unity across parties and local authorities, positioning the mayoralty as a powerful regional voice – inspired by figures like Andy Burnham and Ben Houchen. He was clear about the need for governance reform, suggesting bodies like the Greater Cambridge Partnership, may no longer be fit for purpose and should be replaced by more streamlined structures, including the potential creation of two new unitary authorities.

With new devolved planning powers akin to those held by the Mayor of London, Paul is now able to deliver a pro-growth Spatial Development Strategy. He spoke of the need to shape long-term development – including around 150,000 new homes – to ensure it meets the needs of local people and future generations.

Finally, he spotlighted major strategic ambitions such as a new stadium for Peterborough, underlining the importance of getting ahead of growth to ensure it delivers for communities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.


 Don’t miss this conversation – listen now! 

Leader of Ealing Council, Cllr Peter Mason, joins Concilio’s Managing Director Nick Dines to discuss housing, regeneration and Ealing’s future.

In this episode of the Better Places podcast, Cllr Peter Mason, Leader of Ealing Council, sits down with Concilio Managing Director Nick Dines to explore how Ealing is planning for a future built on housing delivery, local identity, and innovation.
 
They discuss the borough’s ambitious Local Plan, the 20-minute neighbourhood model, and how Ealing is preparing residents for new opportunities through the West London Tech Corridor and Old Oak Common. Mason also shares his thoughts on climate action, infrastructure investment, and why he believes empowered boroughs are key to London’s success.
 
Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!