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 TAKEAWAYS

• Car 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. Moore

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

http://www.getroadkill.com/

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Big Opportunity London Can’t Waste with Jace Tyrrell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn00DOeooaE 

Housing and Regeneration in Tower Hamlets with David Joyce

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M03j0_NPBPw 

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, 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 TAKEAWAYS

London gives people space to be themselves, which sets it apart from other global cities

Opportunity London connects investors with projects to help get developments off the ground

The real competition is with cities like New York and Singapore, not other parts of the UK

Planning delays are a major barrier that push investors to faster-moving markets

Boroughs and developers need to collaborate more to unlock bigger opportunities

There is growing demand for mixed use places, greener streets and better transport

London's planning system must become more flexible so buildings can adapt over time

Public 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 RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://opportunity.london/ 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Reinventing Affordable Living with Paul Rickard, CEO at Pocket Living

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyE1R-IZgdQ 

Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lester

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to 


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, 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 TAKEAWAYS

Tower 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 RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/Home.aspx 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Reinventing Affordable Living with Paul Rickard, CEO at Pocket Living

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyE1R-IZgdQ 

Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lester

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to 


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, 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 TAKEAWAYS

• The 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 RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https:/www.builtbn.org 

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Reinventing Affordable Living with Paul Rickard, CEO at Pocket Living

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyE1R-IZgdQ 

Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lester

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to 

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

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 TAKEAWAYS

Flexibility matters more than prediction
In long-term development, adaptability is far more valuable than fixed forecasts.

Master developers are a different model
Urban&Civic does not build houses or just secure planning. They focus on infrastructure and placemaking, then partner with housebuilders.

You must invest early in placemaking
Significant investment in community infrastructure, green space and schools builds long-term value and trust.

Planning is only part of the issue
The UK grants 300,000 housing consents annually, but delivery is held back by economic conditions, policy and geography.

Homes England can work well
Despite criticism, James highlights how Homes England has provided vital infrastructure finance that supports large-scale delivery.

Regional differences matter
London and regional areas face very different barriers to development. A one-size-fits-all policy approach does not work.

Green space needs scale
Strategic green infrastructure is far more effective than fragmented pockets of space. Landscape-led planning is essential.

Build with communities, not just for them
Successful 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 RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://www.urbanandcivic.com 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Reinventing Affordable Living with Paul Rickard, CEO at Pocket Living

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyE1R-IZgdQ 

Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lester

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to 


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 the final episode recorded at UKREiiF 2025, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Paul Rickard, CEO of Pocket Living, to explore bold housing innovation in London. Paul brings a finance-savvy lens to the pressing challenges facing SME developers, explains why Pocket homes defy their compact dimensions, and outlines what is needed from policymakers to truly unlock urban affordability. With insights into planning, politics, risk and design, this is a compelling end to the UKREiiF series, and it champions the citymakers behind our cities.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

Finance fluency matters: Paul explains how his financial background helps balance entrepreneurial drive with disciplined risk-taking, which is vital in today’s volatile market.

SMEs under pressure: With 4,000 construction insolvencies annually, SME developers like Pocket face vastly different funding and risk environments compared to housing associations.

The Pocket model: Offering discounted one-bedroom homes for first-time buyers, Pocket focuses on key workers who keep the city running but are priced out of it.

Not your average one-bed: Despite being 37 square metres, Pocket homes are carefully designed to feel spacious, challenging perceptions of small-scale housing.

Built-in community: From WhatsApp groups to rooftop parties, Pocket does not just deliver housing, it helps residents build social connections from day one.

Innovation is hard: Paul says more developers should innovate, but acknowledges the regulatory, funding and cultural hurdles that make it difficult.

Planning and perception: Pocket’s model has gradually gained acceptance from planners through persistent education and mission clarity.

Rental is next: Pocket is expanding into high-quality rental housing with a similar ethos, targeting affordability, longevity and community.


 BEST MOMENTS

“People that buy our homes have a lot in common… You go in already knowing your neighbours. That’s community from day one.”

“If local authorities want their nurses, teachers, police officers to stay, this is the answer.”

“We've spent 20 years making sure this doesn’t feel like a compact home.”

“I wish there were more people innovating. It can’t just be Pocket.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://www.pocketliving.com 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANwoBM3PQAM 

Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lester

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to 


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 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 TAKEAWAYS

Cities 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 RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://www.harlow.gov.uk 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Harlow’s Regeneration Comeback | How Harlow Delivers More Homes with Cllr Dan Swords

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMcoe24JLPA 

Inside Brent’s Regeneration Project with Alice Lester

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGRh8HgX0to 


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 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 TAKEAWAYS

Alice’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 RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://www.harlow.gov.uk 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Building Fairer Cities with Cllr Claire Holland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UznEV9fWYS0

Harlow’s Regeneration Comeback | How Harlow Delivers More Homes with Cllr Dan Swords

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMcoe24JLPA 


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 UKREiiF 2025 special of Urban Forecast, hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Cllr Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, to explore how bold leadership, effective partnerships and a focus on people are driving one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration stories. From stalled schemes to strategic joint ventures, Dan shares the real challenges and hard won lessons behind delivering housing and town centre renewal in Harlow. An honest, inspiring conversation for anyone passionate about urban transformation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Power of Partnership: Harlow’s joint venture with Hill is unlocking stalled developments and delivering much-needed housing.

Delivering on Vision: Getting planning permission is only the beginning - the real challenge lies in making projects viable.

Learning from Others: Even successful councils like Southwark are now struggling to make schemes stack up - simple, effective partnerships could be the answer.

Rebuilding Local Pride: Regeneration isn’t just about bricks and mortar, but about creating places where people feel proud to live.

Leadership Matters: Dan emphasises the role of strong, proactive council leadership in overcoming development obstacles.

Private Sector Skills in the Public Sector: Harlow has brought in people with property expertise to help deliver its ambitious plans.

Avoiding Pitfalls: Other councils can learn from Harlow’s approach to avoid common mistakes and stalled projects.

A Town with History and a Future: Harlow’s legacy as a New Town provides both inspiration and responsibility for today’s regeneration efforts.

BEST MOMENTS

“People feel proud to live there, proud to say I live in Harlow… That is at the heart of it.”

“Getting the planning is, in some ways, the easy bit.”

“Lots of other councils are really struggling to deliver their own housing.”

“It’s not ever really gonna go that wrong… Well, tell Woking that.”

“Viability is the number one issue for London - not planning reform.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com

https://www.harlow.gov.uk

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Building Fairer Cities with Cllr Claire Holland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UznEV9fWYS0

Is UKREiiF better than Mipim? Did Keir Starmer try to ruin it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sat9clIoKXU

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 special UKREiiF 2025 edition of Urban Forecast, co-hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Cllr Claire Holland, Leader of the London Borough of Lambeth and Chair of London Councils. From the urgent need for affordable housing to the power of public-private partnerships, Claire shares her bold vision for inclusive growth across London. She reflects on her personal journey rooted in social justice, how collaboration can unlock infrastructure potential, and why Lambeth’s history of innovation is shaping its ambitious future. This is a candid, inspiring conversation about leadership, opportunity, and why London is truly “open for business.”


KEY TAKEAWAYS

Lambeth’s housing crisis is urgent, with nearly 5,000 families in temporary accommodation - building affordable homes is a moral and social priority.

Claire’s leadership is driven by a passion for social justice, influenced by her upbringing and career as a legal aid children’s lawyer.

Viability is the #1 barrier to housing delivery in London, not planning reform - unlocking permissions requires new financial models and increased grant funding.

Lambeth is pro-growth and open to partnership, encouraging developers who prioritise inclusive growth and community benefit.

Collaboration is key - the London Growth Plan, Warmer Homes initiative, and partnerships like the one at County Hall show how pooled resources drive impact.

Waterloo Station regeneration is a flagship project, reimagining the area with Network Rail and Places for London to improve the public realm and experience.

Lambeth has a long tradition of transformation, from David Bowie to Black activism, and continues to innovate through clean tech and cultural infrastructure.

Public engagement is crucial, especially amplifying voices of underrepresented groups in development conversations to ensure growth is equitable.


BEST MOMENTS

“We have nearly 5,000 families living in temporary accommodation - that’s a lot of families away from their networks and their communities.”

“Lambeth is open for business. London boroughs are open for business.”

“We’re not afraid of change - we’ve always transformed. It’s about doing it in a way that brings everyone with us.”

“Viability is the number one issue for London - not planning reform.”


VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.ackroydlowrie.com 

https://www.lambeth.gov.uk 


EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Is UKREiiF better than Mipim? Did Keir Starmer try to ruin it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sat9clIoKXU

Why Places Fail - and How to Build Ones That Don’t with Martyn Evans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWK_JjFIzeA 


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]