Urban Forecast

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 RESOURCES

Ackroyd Lowrie

Grainger PLC

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Modernise or Die: the hard truths about MMC and housing delivery

How ESG can make you money and help the planet with Andy Cox 

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, we sit down with Andy Cox, Director & Co-founder of Trigon, to discuss the evolving landscape of development management, ESG, and the Building Safety Act. Andy shares his journey into real estate, the challenges of navigating increasing regulation, and why sustainability must be more than a compliance exercise.

With discussions around risk management, stranded assets, and the impact of regulation on development, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the property, construction, or investment sectors.

Are we drowning in legislation, or can we carve out a clearer path forward? Tune in to find out.

 Key Takeaways:

From karaoke to construction – Andy’s unconventional route into real estate and why people, not just projects, fuel his passion.

The real impact of ESG – Why sustainability isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ but essential for asset resilience.

Regulation overload? – The tension between economic growth and increasing legal constraints in the UK property market.

The risk of stranded assets – How developers are adapting to maintain asset value amid rising ESG expectations.

Building Safety Act realities – What’s working, what’s not, and why clarity is key for the industry.

Procurement evolution – Are we heading towards a new hybrid model of development and construction management?

A housing market in limbo – Can planning reform, increased housing targets, and viability challenges ever align?

What’s next? – Predictions for 2025 and beyond—will we see real progress, or are we in for another year of uncertainty?


 Best Moments (Quotes):

 “Sustainability shouldn’t be a bolt-on. It needs to be woven into everything we do.” – Andy Cox

 “We’ve got the accelerator on and the brake on at the same time. No wonder the industry is stalling.” – Oli

 “The Building Safety Act has changed the definition of compliance - it’s no longer about ticking a box.” – Andy Cox

 “If we want certainty in the market, we need to distill regulation - not just keep adding more.” – Jon


VALUABLE RESOURCES

Ackroyd Lowrie - https://www.ackroydlowrie.com/

Trigon - https://trigon-dm.com/about/

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Architect who entered politics - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmrNRTM5HKk

Modernise or Die: the hard truths about MMC and housing delivery - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW4N6hDk5i4

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 - https://www.linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcast

Email: [email protected]

In this special episode, Urban Forecast Podcast teams up with Architects for Change to explore the intersection of politics, architecture, and urban regeneration. Jay Morton, Director at Bell Phillips and former political candidate, joins host Oliver Lowrie to discuss the vital role of government vision, sustainable innovation, and community engagement in shaping the built environment.

Together, they unpack how architects can navigate political challenges, influence policy, and drive meaningful change in cities. From tackling the housing crisis to bridging the gap between planning policies and real-world development, this episode offers invaluable insights for anyone passionate about the future of urban spaces.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Architect as Activist: Jay Morton’s unique journey from biochemistry to architecture and political candidacy.
2. Shaping Policy and Spaces: Why architects must influence politics to drive sustainable housing solutions.
3. Fast-Paced Decision-Making: Lessons from campaigning that translate to leadership in architecture.
4. Confidence in Construction: How a stable government vision impacts investor trust and project delivery.
5. Bridging Gaps with Design: The importance of bespoke approaches to engaging diverse communities in urban planning.
6. Sustainability Meets Regulation: Addressing the tension between fire safety laws and low-carbon innovation.
7. Local Leaders as Game-Changers: Why borough-level leadership often has the greatest impact on urban development.
8. Collaborative Innovation: The need for a cross-industry task force to drive innovation and sustainable construction.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "People make places - and that’s where the real power of architecture lies."
2. "Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good - sometimes you just need to act."
3. "A clear, consistent government vision is essential for confidence in the construction sector."
4. "Local leaders know their communities best - they’re the real changemakers in urban planning."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Ackroyd Lowrie

Bell Phillips

Architects For Change

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Vision 2040: What next for the City of London’s bold vision for transformation

Modernise or Die: the hard truths about MMC and housing delivery

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 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 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.