If the ultimate objective of any built environment project is to improve lives, then fit-for purpose social infrastructure is a fundamental piece of the regeneration jigsaw.
Enabling social mobility, boosting economic prosperity, and improving the wellbeing of communities requires investment in schools, healthcare facilities and the delivery of fit for purpose housing. Yet, it’s an area that few in the industry would say the UK does particularly well or, at least, not consistently well.
Putting NIMBY-ism aside, common objections to planning applications in our towns and cities tend to focus on the concern that new developments will place untenable pressure on existing social infrastructure. And with many Local Authorities failing to deliver on housing targets, a fierce debate is raging over the delicate balance between attracting investment and the viability of delivering affordable units. Throw the challenges around retrofitting and decarbonising the existing public sector estate into the mix, and it’s a highly complex and fragmented mosaic of issues.
At UKREiiF 2024, Drees & Sommer UK invited experts from across the public and private sectors to take part in a panel discussion on these issues. They shared their views and experiences and some inspiring examples of innovative and successful approaches. Our debate took place before the 2024 General Election. In the weeks that have followed, the new Labour Government has already pledged to tackle some of these issues head on - indicating that we can expect significant reform of the Planning system to enforce the delivery of local housing targets and promising more, meaningful devolution to Metro Mayors. This will have been welcome news to our panellists, who were united in calling for more robust local planning and a more consistent approach from different arms of the public sector.
From a frank and insightful discussion, a consensus emerged around some key themes which the public and private sector must collaborate on if we are to succeed, which we’ve captured in the below report.
Clink the link to see the full breakdown of what was said.