175 CPA and WPA members and stakeholders attended this morning’s seminar exploring the findings of our Retrofit First, Not Retrofit Only research.
Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor of London for Planning, Regeneration & Skills delivered the opening address focusing on the Mayor’s commitment to supporting environmentally sustainable buildings through a 'retrofit first' approach. He acknowledged that retaining the original structure is not always the best option and that in some instances new build can achieve better sustainability outcomes with lower operational carbon emissions across a building’s lifespan.
The author of the report, Kirsty Draper (JLL and WPA Sustainability & Planning Group Vice Chair) presented its key findings – view her presentation here – before an expert panel discussion chaired by Andrew White (GPE and WPA Board member) discussed topics including
the planning policy environment, which types of 20th century buildings best enable retrofit, the role of new technologies, and the importance of positive tenant engagement. The panel included Deidra Armsby from Westminster City Council; Nikki Dibley from Helical (and CPA Board member); Michael Meadows from British Land, and JamesWickham, Gerald Eve (WPA Board adviser).
Click on the button below to view a bitesize version of Retrofit First, Not Retrofit First: a focus on the retrofit and development of 20th century buildings. The event was hosted by GPE.
Retrofit First research presented to London Assembly
Kirsty Draper was invited to give evidence on retrofit and redevelopment at the London Assembly's Planning and Regeneration Committee last week.
Using the research findings, Kirsty gave examples of where and when retrofit and redevelopment in the commercial sector were most often deployed and discussed some of the innovations taking place in the industry to reduce embodied carbon. Kirsty also talked through the challenges the industry faces when balancing carbon alongside delivering best in class office space, excellent amenities and community benefits.
Kerstin Kane, City of London Corporation’s Principal Planning Officer, Sustainability and Montagu Evans’ Timur Tatlioglu were also on the panel.
Today we are also launching the fifth edition of our Diversifying Real Estate series, which focuses on social mobility. Class is often overlooked in efforts to improve diversity. It can be more complex and less visible than other demographic indictors, such as gender and race, but including people from a range of socio-economic backgrounds is vital if our industry is to reflect London’s diverse communities.
This new guidebook addresses the key barriers to social mobility in property careers and suggests simple ways for organisations and individuals to implement positive change. Like the other guidebooks in the series, it features best practice examples, signposts to resources and reflects on personal experiences. It is supported by our NextGen champion G&T.
We are joining forces with the Institute of Directors (IoD) Property Environment Group to host an evening drinks reception at this year’s UKREiiF conference in Leeds.
More information to follow. Please use the button below to register your interest.
The Government Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLHUC) is consulting on transitional arrangement for a new approach to environmental assessments for development plans and large development projects. Views are welcome before the deadline of 9 June.
There is a national consultation on plans to increase planning fees by 35% for major applications and 25% for all other applications. London Property Alliance will be responding to the proposals from DLHUC. We will be supporting ring fencing to ensure additional resourcing raised is secured to improve planning services. The deadline for responses is 25 April.
DLHUC is also consulting on the design of a new Infrastructure Levy. This levy will give councils new powers to set rates linked to major developments. The consultation will close on 9 June.
King's Cross Road and Pentonville Road safety improvement scheme
TfL has launched a consultation on proposals to improve safety for people walking and cycling around King's Cross. Plans include improved pedestrian crossings, cycle signals, widened pavement and a new section of bus lane. The consultation runs until 2 May.
The latest edition of London Property Alliance’s Global Cities Survey was discussed at our Global Cities breakfast briefing at MIPIM conference earlier this month.
Taking place at our London Stand breakfast briefing, an expert panel – including senior representatives from the City of London Corporation, London & Partners, the New York City Economic Development Corporation and Cushman & Wakefield – digested the survey findings and what they mean for the growth of London and its global city peers.
Read the full report here, produced in partnership with Centre for London and Oxford Economics. Media coverage included EG (£) and Property Week (£)
Supporting Muslim employees during Ramadan
Last week marked the beginning of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. As Muslims worldwide observe 30 days of fasting, prayer, reflection and community - BAME in Property has produced some excellent guidance for employers on how to support staff who are observing the holy month.
Members are encouraged to submit details of diversity, equity and inclusion programmes that are making a meaningful difference to racial diversity in the UK’s property sector. Bisnow will showcase the companies making an impact at a high-profile summer event.
The deadline for submissions is 14 April. Read more here.
London’s Next Economy
Centre for London is hosting a half-day conference looking at how London’s economy could be reinvented and renewed. The event will explore what is next for London on the way to becoming a low-carbon economic powerhouse.
The Insurance and Property & Built Environment groups within the IoD are hosting an evening seminar at the Lloyd’s of London building, exploring climate change risk in the UK property sector. Speakers include Julie Hirigoyen – Chief Executive of the UK Green Building Council.
CPA and WPA members can get a discount on event tickets for £25 (usually £35 for non-IoD members) by selecting the CWPA member ticket option.
Date: Tuesday 18 April
Time: 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Venue: Lloyd’s of London (1 Lime Street, London, EC3M 7HA)
Both CPA and WPA members have access to our comprehensive database of all major decisions from central London's major planning committees. These can be viewed on our Planning News page.
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