In this episode of the Urban Forecast Podcast, we’re joined by Mark Farmer, influential author of Modernise or Die and a leading voice in the housing industry. Mark dives into the hard truths about the future of housing delivery, exploring whether modern methods of construction (MMC) can truly meet the demands of 300,000 homes a year. From workforce challenges to the downfall of high-profile startups, Mark offers bold opinions and fresh perspectives on what’s needed to transform the housing sector.

Tune in to hear Mark’s take on the real roadblocks and opportunities for change in housing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The housing sector faces a declining workforce, exacerbated by an ageing population and post-Brexit labour restrictions.

Current methods of construction are unsustainable if we aim to deliver 300,000 homes annually.

Modern methods of construction (MMC) offer promise but come with challenges, including high fixed costs and market volatility.

High-profile MMC failures like Top Hat and Splash reveal deeper issues with the industry’s approach to scaling innovation.

The importance of long-term resilience in the housing market—short-term gains won’t solve systemic problems.

Collaboration and bold thinking are needed to align policies, funding, and innovative approaches.

Political and economic stability play a critical role in encouraging investment and growth in housing.

Mark emphasises the need for the housing industry to adapt quickly to meet sustainability and market demands.

BEST MOMENTS:

“We need to change the physical delivery model… If we’re going to do more with the same or less, we need to change the model.”

“The industry’s reliance on subcontracting clashes with the fixed costs of manufacturing. It’s a volatile model that isn’t built to withstand downturns.”

“High-profile MMC failures aren’t isolated—they’re symptomatic of an industry that hasn’t fully embraced the new ways of working needed to succeed.”

“If we don’t innovate now, we risk falling further behind in delivering sustainable, scalable housing solutions.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Ackroyd Lowrie - https://www.ackroydlowrie.com/
Cast Consultancy - https://www.cast-consultancy.com/

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Housing Crisis: Local Leaders, Bold Solutions - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6EVosyQcyE

Vision 2040: What next for the City of London’s bold vision for transformation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTxl537vyaQ

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

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ackroyd-lowrie/
Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Urban Forecast by Ackroyd Lowrie, we speak to Shravan Joshi, MBA, Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation. Shravan discusses the transformative Vision 2040 framework, which redefines sustainability, heritage, and urban growth in the Square Mile. From addressing the embodied carbon of buildings to balancing modernisation with the City’s rich 2000-year history, Shravan offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to plan for the future. We explore the rise of retrofit-first strategies, the power of green finance, and the role of global collaboration in building a truly sustainable urban environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Vision 2040: A bold roadmap for the City of London, focusing on sustainability, heritage preservation, and economic growth.

Retrofit-First Policy: How prioritising retrofitting over redevelopment is reshaping the City’s approach to sustainability.

Green Finance & Transition Finance: Why investment is increasingly driven by environmental credentials and the rise of super-prime sustainable buildings.
Balancing Heritage with Modernisation: The unique challenge of preserving historic architecture while embracing cutting-edge development.

Post-Pandemic Reimagining: Adapting office spaces for hybrid working and integrating cultural and experiential elements to “earn the commute.”

Global Urban Learnings: Insights from cities like Paris and New York on sustainable urban regeneration and planning innovations.

Incentivising Sustainability: Why tax reforms like reduced VAT on retrofitting are crucial for driving sustainable development.

Digital Planning Revolution: How the City of London is spearheading a unified digital framework for planning across the UK.

BEST MOMENTS

“You cannot not have change. What we need is responsible change that respects both heritage and sustainability.” – Shravan Joshi

“Retrofit is no longer just policy—it’s market demand. Developers are now driving the shift towards sustainability.” – Shravan Joshi

“Vision 2040 is about growth, but growth done responsibly, celebrating our history while innovating for the future.” – Shravan Joshi

“Urban densification is not just about economics—it’s about reducing our carbon footprint and planning for long-term sustainability.” – Shravan Joshi

VALUABLE RESOURCES
Ackroyd Lowrie - http://www.ackroydlowrie.com
City of London Corporation - https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/about-us

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Labour Reacts to the budget: Can we deliver £1.5 million homes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCvAcDx9e6g

Housing Crisis: Local Leaders, Bold Solutions - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6EVosyQcyE

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
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/
LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcast
Email: [email protected]

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 TAKEAWAYS

The 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 Shaw


VALUABLE RESOURCES
Labour Together
Ackroyd Lowrie

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT
Danielle St Pierre
Labour Reacts to the budget: Can we deliver £1.5 million homes

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
Instagram
LinkedIn
Email: [email protected]

DESCRIPTION

Join 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 TAKEAWAYS

Moral 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 Shaw


VALUABLE RESOURCES
Labour Together
Ackroyd Lowrie

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT
Danielle St Pierre
Mark Baigent 

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
Instagram
LinkedIn
Email: [email protected]

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 TAKEAWAYS

Brownfield 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 RESOURCES

Hybrid Planning & Development
National Planning Policy Framework

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Mark Baigent: Local matters when it comes to Housing Delivery
Chris Williamson: How One Book Changed My Life

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
Instagram
LinkedIn
Email: [email protected]

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.

In the third episode of our series on Co-Living, we sit down with Damien Sharkey, Managing Director of HUB, to explore how his background as an Architect allows him and the team at HUB to re-imagine the urban environment to provide high quality homes for renters and sharers across the Built-to-Rent and Co-Living Sectors. Damien reflects on his early years in his family's joinery business in Ireland, which ignited his passion for architecture. He shares insights into his transition into development, the essential skills he's carried over from his architectural background, and HUB's distinctive approach to creating quality homes across the UK

Together, we delve into the challenges and triumphs of landmark projects, including the UK's first institutionally funded build-to-rent scheme and the innovative repurposing of existing buildings in Central London to provide quality co-living homes and a new destination for the City of London.

In the final part of our series on Urban Co-Living, we welcome Jenna Harris, Head of Co-Living and Co-Founder of Harris Studios at Harris Associates. Jenna shares her expert insights and innovative ideas on the evolving world of co-living.

Join us as we discuss the journey of Harris Associates, a leading firm in real estate known for its groundbreaking strategies and creative marketing solutions. Jenna talks about her background, from her start in digital marketing to her role in shaping modern co-living spaces.

We explore how marketing, content, and property come together to create vibrant living environments, and discuss the challenges and opportunities in the co-living sector, including changes in investor interests and the importance of community-driven spaces.

Harris Associates leads the way in innovation, creating tailored, content-driven campaigns that achieve outstanding results in real estate. Whether you’re an investor, a real estate professional, or curious about the future of urban living, this episode offers valuable insights into the trends and changes shaping our cities.

Discover how Harris Associates is setting new standards in co-living. Don’t miss this insightful conversation with one of the industry's leading thinkers. Listen now to be inspired by the future of co-living!

Please note, this episode was recorded on 6th December 2023, and some topics discussed may have evolved since then.

Welcome to our special three-part series on the emerging co-living sector. In this series, we explore how co-living is transforming urban living and addressing critical societal issues.

In our first episode, we sit down with Brent Stojanovic, a seasoned expert in creative communications, brand development, and the property sector. Brent is the Director of Verv Life specialists in management of BTR, Co-Living and PBSA properties. Brent discusses the significant role co-living plays in combating loneliness and building community in today's society. With insights from a Savills study identifying a substantial market for co-living, we delve into how this innovative housing model creates supportive environments and meaningful connections for individuals living alone.

Join us as we uncover the potential of co-living to reshape urban living and enhance the well-being of residents.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Carolyn Steel, the visionary author behind Sitopia: How Food Can Save the World and Hungry City: How Food Shapes Our Lives. With over 1 million views on her TED Talk, "How Food Shapes Our Cities," Carolyn delves into the intricate relationship between urban environments and the natural infrastructure needed to sustain them.

Join us as we explore how cities can integrate natural systems to create more resilient and sustainable urban spaces. We also discuss our exciting collaboration with the urban farm ‘Growing Communities’ in Dagenham, where we're developing a new visitors’ centre aimed at educating the public about the essential role of natural systems in food production. Discover how food can transform our cities for the better!

Tune in for a conversation that promises to redefine how we think about the spaces we live in and the food that sustains us.