Episodes
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In this episode of Urban Forecast, Oli Lowrie sits down with Joe Jack Williams, Head of Regenerative Strategy at Bywater, to explore the future of low-carbon development, the realities of building in mass timber, and why the industry desperately needs better material literacy.
After 14 influential years at FCB Studios, Joe made the leap from architecture to development in pursuit of greater impact. He discusses the limitations architects face within client-driven briefs and why moving upstream gives him the ability to shape carbon outcomes from day one.
From embodied carbon blind spots to the challenges of moisture management, legislative misalignment, and the need for better data, Joe offers an unflinching yet optimistic view of how timber buildings can become the norm rather than the exception. He also shares insights from his RIBA-published Materials Book and Bywater’s unique partnership with Sumitomo Forestry.
This is a deep dive into how buildings are really made, how decisions ripple through the supply chain, and how the next generation of sustainable development must think in systems, not snapshots.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Architects are often limited by client briefs, and shifting to the developer side allows far greater influence over sustainability outcomes.
Embodied carbon is rapidly overtaking operational carbon as the critical factor in building emissions, yet material impacts remain poorly understood across the industry.
Timber can significantly reduce embodied carbon, but success depends on rigorous detailing, moisture management, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Fire risk in timber buildings is often overstated; moisture poses a far greater challenge, accounting for the majority of insurance claims.
Current UK regulations, especially around residential heights and funding constraints, create unnecessary barriers to timber construction.
Bywater’s joint venture with Sumitomo Forestry demonstrates how global expertise can accelerate safe, scalable timber development.
Material decisions often have counterintuitive carbon implications; intuition alone is inadequate without robust data and scenario testing.
Creating safer, more innovative design cultures requires teams to admit what they don’t know and embrace research-led practice.BEST MOMENTS
“Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean there isn’t a hole in the ground attached to the project you’re making.”
“Fire isn’t the big risk. Ninety-seven percent of timber claims are about moisture.”
“We’re always on a learning curve, and it’s not always intuitive what the right answer is.”
“Architects are phenomenally bright. Once they understand the system, they’re really good in that system.”VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.ackroydlowrie.com
EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT
How to unblock the system of community funding with Mark Shearerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwCPMHe1GUs
The 1 percent housing trap with Chris Worrall
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2ujFO3E_RA
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 di
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Urban Forecast sits down with Mark Shearer, CEO and Co-founder of ActionFunder and a councillor for Westminster. With a rare dual perspective spanning politics, community impact and the built environment, Mark breaks down the staggering inefficiencies in the UK’s grant-giving and planning systems and explains why billions in community funding remain stuck in local authority accounts.
He shares how ActionFunder is reframing the relationship between developers, councils and local communities through transparency, technology and real-time reporting. From the future of Section 106 and CIL, to trust in development, to the political dynamics shaping planning decisions, this conversation explores how cities could work very differently, and why now is the best time for businesses to deliver genuine social value.
About ActionFunder:
ActionFunder is the grant management platform revolutionising community investment. Built with funders and driven by AI, it streamlines the funding process, reduces admin and costs and delivers money directly into community projects.
Designed for organisations that want to give with purpose and prove their impact, ActionFunder enables smarter, faster, more transparent grant giving. Users can launch branded funds, connect with local projects that align with their goals and access real-time impact reports that support ESG, CSR and social value objectives.
With over 17,000 self-enrolled community projects across the UK actively accessing funds through the platform, ActionFunder is redefining how businesses give back.
Smarter funding. Real impact.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
There is over £8 billion of unspent Section 106 and CIL funds across UK local authorities, largely due to strained resources and inefficient manual processes.
46% of grants cost more to distribute than they are worth, highlighting the need for streamlined, tech-enabled alternatives.
ActionFunder creates transparent, real-time tracking of community spending, enabling businesses, councils and communities to see exactly where funding goes and what outcomes it delivers.
Developers could rebuild public trust by directly funding local benefits, provided transparency and oversight are in place.
Community voice is ultimately the biggest influence in planning, often outweighing developer lobbying.
Political cycles create uncertainty, but cross-party pragmatism in local government is more common than people assume.
Design ambition in central London has declined, driven by financial pressures, sustainability debates, and risk-averse planning.
Certainty and clarity in planning policy remain the greatest incentives for delivering high-quality, innovative buildings.BEST MOMENTS
“There’s never been a better time for a company to be delivering social value.”
“There’s £8 billion of unspent Section 106 and CIL in UK local authorities. It’s eye-watering.”
“The community voice is critical. Developers need to engage directly, not just think councillors are the gatekeepers.”
“If we use technology, there is an opportunity for developers to take responsibility for distributing that money and create real public benefit.”VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.ackroydlowrie.com
EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT
The 1 percent housing trap with Chris Worrall
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2ujFO3E_RA
Why London Stopped Building with Nick Cuff
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coDPAozDmoM
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, t
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode of Urban Forecast, Oli sits down with Chris Worrall, Director at LSL Partners, for a frank and fast-paced conversation about the realities of the UK housing crisis. Chris dismantles common myths around land, planning and development, critiques the political narratives driving dysfunctional policy, and explains why supply, zoning and sensible regulation matter far more than ideology. From the failures of the building safety regulator to the economics behind the 1 percent housing trap, this episode offers one of the clearest explanations yet of what’s really holding back new homes in the UK, and what it would take to finally unlock growth, affordability and better living conditions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The UK housing debate is heavily influenced by rhetoric and theories not grounded in real-world development experience
Restrictive planning systems and anti-development sentiment are major drivers of the housing shortage, far more than developers themselves
Labour’s recent land value capture proposals amount to over-taxation that risks suppressing development rather than enabling it
The current building safety regulator is poorly designed compared with international examples and risks slowing delivery without improving outcomes
Political interference in planning decisions prevents a shift towards flexible zoning, mandated local plans and faster approvals
Low vacancy rates create the 1 percent housing trap where landlords have no incentive to upgrade or repair properties, worsening living conditions
London has huge untapped potential for densification, with plenty of land and the ability to build upwards if policy supported it
The UK’s approach to funding social housing is fundamentally flawed and fails to support long-term supply and quality
BEST MOMENTS
“There are so many so-called experts who’ve never valued land or built anything in their life. Most haven’t even built a sandcastle.”
“A Labour government think they can just tax things into oblivion.”
“We’ve got regulations that do not regulate more houses into existence
“There is enough land and the sky’s the limit in a lot of these places.”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.ackroydlowrie.com
EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT
Why London Stopped Building with Nick Cuff
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coDPAozDmoM
Reclaiming Value in Architecture with Hari Phillips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FosWeZqmWL8
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 Nick Cuff, Managing Director and founder of Urban Sketch, to unpack why London has stopped building and how we can start again. From his beginnings in local government to leading one of the most design-driven housing innovators in the UK, Nick offers rare insight into the real economics behind development, the policy traps slowing progress, and why storytelling might just be the key to rebuilding trust in the housing sector. Expect a candid conversation about design, policy, affordability and the future of living in our cities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Housing delivery is broken but fixable. Nick explains that the challenges facing UK housebuilding come from a combination of demand-side changes, rising build costs, and increasingly adversarial policy.
Developers need to tell a better story. The property sector has failed to communicate its social and economic value, despite contributing twice as much to the UK economy as financial services.
Policy has become mismatched to reality. Fire safety, levies, and affordable housing requirements have all increased without corresponding flexibility in planning or design standards.
We need balance between regulation and risk. A healthy housing system requires developers to feel confident taking on projects. Policy should enable, not discourage, calculated risk-taking.
Co-living is part of the solution. Compact, high-quality urban housing can give young people affordable access to well-located homes without compromising on design.
Investors need clarity. With seven-year project timelines and shifting government policy, capital is cautious about UK residential investment.
Better use of data could transform planning. Misunderstood statistics and poor transparency fuel misconceptions about land banking and value capture.
Design and community go hand in hand. For Nick, successful development is about bridging the gap between buildings and the people who inhabit them.
BEST MOMENTS
“We’re a poor communicator as a sector, given how material the things we do are to society.”
“It’s a bit of a sausage machine. You put one thing in, you’ve got to take something else out. Right now, the sausage machine isn’t working.”
“Developers aren’t land banking, they just can’t make it stack up.”
“I’m most excited about seeing a spade in the ground and people living in what we build.”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.ackroydlowrie.com
EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT
Reclaiming Value in Architecture with Hari Phillips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FosWeZqmWL8
Are Architects Being Replaced by AI?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ4PNpsulic
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 Hari Phillips, co-founder of Bell Phillips Architects and Trustee at the Museum of Architecture, for a candid conversation about the realities of the profession today. Hari reflects on two decades at Bell Phillips, why he stepped away, and how he’s now mentoring the next generation of architects. From architecture’s social impact to the profession’s business blind spots, this discussion unpacks how architects can reclaim agency, value, and joy in an increasingly complex and regulated industry.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Architecture has the power to impact everyday lives, it should be accessible to everyone, not an elite pursuit.
Many architects struggle to articulate their purpose and value beyond design aesthetics.
The profession is facing a crisis of empowerment, squeezed by regulation, low fees, and eroding creative control.
The RIBA’s role is often misunderstood - it promotes architecture as a discipline, not necessarily its members.
Over 55% of UK architects are business leaders, yet few are trained in business or entrepreneurship.
Architects must shed the “tortured artisan” mindset and confidently value their work.
Talking about money and business health shouldn’t be taboo - it’s part of sustaining great architecture.
Mentorship and clearer definitions of purpose can help emerging practices thrive in a changing landscape.
BEST MOMENTS
“We never started with a clear manifesto - it emerged through doing architecture.”
“Architecture has the power to impact the everyday person, to elevate and enhance their life.”
“The work you do has value, and you should not give that away.”
“Architecture should be at the centre of solving today’s spatial challenges - yet too often we’re pushed to the periphery.”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.ackroydlowrie.com
EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT
Michael Clark’s Take on London’s Development Challenge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMiUszt24jQ
Are Architects Being Replaced by AI?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ4PNpsulic
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 dive into the unexpected success of their TikTok clip that racked up over 70,000 views and the fiery comments it sparked. From the frustrations of being undervalued in architecture to the looming influence of AI, the duo explore what’s driving discontent in the profession, why mental health needs to be part of the conversation, and how architects can reclaim their value in a changing industry. It’s candid, relatable, and unfiltered - two seasoned architects confronting the realities of their field head-on.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Architects continue to feel undervalued and overworked, with many considering leaving the profession.
The industry’s culture of long hours and “all-nighter” deadlines fuels stress and poor mental health.
Comparing architecture to other professions like law or finance can be misleading - long hours are endemic across sectors.
AI is set to automate much of the “production” work in architecture, freeing architects to focus on design and storytelling.
Architects need to adapt by embracing data-driven design and understanding how people truly use spaces.
Hands-on experience with construction is becoming a lost skill - but one that AI can’t replicate.
Increasing technical complexity and regulation have fractured the architect’s traditional role, leading to reliance on more consultants.
The future lies in designing for longevity and reuse, moving away from a “throwaway” culture in buildings.
BEST MOMENTS
“You just used to say to yourself on the way into work, one day we’ll all be dead - that was my way of getting through.”
“You can get AI to create something that looks pretty and cool, but how do you actually get that built?”
“We’ve lost touch with construction - architects need to get back on site.”
“We’ve only got one shot to use the resources left on this planet.”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.ackroydlowrie.com
EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT
Michael Clark’s Take on London’s Development Challenge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMiUszt24jQ
Labour’s Housing Delivery Crisis: Planning isn’t the Problem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76CxlOboM5A
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 Michael Clark, Design Director at Hadley Property Group, to explore the evolving role of the architect, the realities of development in today’s market, and how community engagement can shape meaningful regeneration. Michael shares candid reflections from his journey across architecture, contracting, and development, revealing how trust, communication, and collaboration are central to delivering homes in one of the world’s toughest housing markets.
From the pressures of the Building Safety Act to the fine line between risk and reward in property development, this conversation gets to the heart of what it takes to build better, faster, and more responsibly in modern Britain.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Architecture is a profession full of highs and lows, and many practitioners are moving sideways into development and construction for broader impact.
The housing delivery cycle has stretched dramatically, from five to over eight years, due to planning complexity and new regulatory gateways.
Developers face “three major financial hurdles”: Section 106, CIL, and affordable housing quotas, which together strain project viability.
Despite public mistrust, developers like Hadley are rebuilding confidence through genuine community engagement and collaboration with local authorities.
The Building Safety Act has improved risk management and design quality but has also delayed funding and construction start times.
Digital technology and 3D modelling have made design coordination more precise, though arguably more complicated, without necessarily improving quality.
Strong leadership and teamwork between architects, contractors, and clients are critical to delivering successful projects.
Hadley’s agility and focus on local needs make it stand out among London developers, with a model grounded in communication and trust.
BEST MOMENTS
“You’re overtaxing the golden goose. London hasn’t got anything left to give.”
“Developers aren’t sitting on pots of gold. The reality is every developer is desperately trying to make money - but nobody will take that risk if the odds are stacked against them.”
“You can’t get too personally involved in design - it’s no longer your design, it’s everyone’s.”
“We spend time understanding what the community needs and build that into our designs. That’s how trust starts.”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.ackroydlowrie.com
EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT
The Future of the City of London with Tom Sleigh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx6bNuRrMYE
Labour’s Housing Delivery Crisis: Planning isn’t the Problem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76CxlOboM5A
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, hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd dive into the outcomes and mood from the Labour Party Conference, exploring what it all means for the future of housing and planning in London. With housebuilding figures falling far short of targets, they discuss why planning reform hasn't been delivered, what could unlock development, and whether Labour will be bold enough to make the radical changes needed. From viability challenges to Sadiq Khan’s 35% affordable housing threshold and the Building Safety Act backlog, Oli and Jon dissect the numbers, policies and political realities shaping the UK’s urban future.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
London is on track to deliver just 5,000 homes against a target of 88,000, with £5.5 million spent on homelessness - signalling a housing crisis at breaking point.
Planning isn’t the main barrier; it’s viability. Over 280,000 homes have planning permission but aren’t being built because the numbers don’t stack up.
The 35% affordable housing requirement is under review, with Labour potentially open to temporarily lowering it to kick-start stalled projects.
Some councils are sitting on huge Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds that could be redirected to make schemes viable or support affordable housing.
Sadiq Khan appears reluctant to move first on policy changes without central government backing - a sign of political tension between City Hall and Westminster.
The Building Safety Act remains a bottleneck, with approval times up to 48 weeks, though new leadership promises to cut this to nearer 12.
Labour faces a “make or break” moment to deliver growth and housing or risk losing public confidence before the next election.
The hosts argue that scaling back affordable thresholds now could deliver far more homes overall, benefiting the economy and the Treasury in the long run.
BEST MOMENTS
“Thirty-five percent of nothing is nothing.”
“If you want to get housing moving in London, you’ve got to do something about viability.”
“Ten percent of 88,000 homes is a hell of a lot more than 35 percent of 5,000.”
“We’re at crunch time now. Is this government going to be bold enough to do something real?”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.ackroydlowrie.com
EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT
The Future of the City of London with Tom Sleigh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx6bNuRrMYE
Engineering a Greener Future with Steve Webb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHIfzm-aMZA
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 are joined by Tom Sleigh, Councillor for Bishopsgate Ward at the City of London Corporation and Chair of the Planning & Transportation Committee. Tom offers an insider’s perspective on how the City is shaping its future. He explains how to balance heritage with tall towers and how the Square Mile is being reimagined as a cultural and leisure destination. He also shares stories from his visit to Ukraine, reflections on London’s resilience, and why retrofit-first planning could be key to sustainable growth.
Whether you are interested in the politics of planning, the meeting of old and new, or how cities find meaning beyond finance, this conversation gives a clear look at what makes London work today and how it might change tomorrow.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The City of London has a unique political setup, with no party system and committee-led decision-making, which creates space for collaboration across traditional divides.Living in central London brings disruption such as construction, nightlife and transport. It is part of the reality of living in a vibrant global city.After Covid, the City’s focus is less on increasing residential numbers and more on boosting footfall through culture, food, leisure and hospitality. This is part of the “Destination City” strategy.Balancing heritage and skyscrapers is still contentious. Tom argues that the blend of old and new is what makes the City iconic.The City’s retrofit-first planning policy makes it a leader in sustainable development, with half of all London retrofits taking place within the Square Mile.London remains resilient as a global financial centre because of its time-zone advantage, English common law, and the pound’s position between the euro and dollar.Cultural venues and heritage play a crucial role in giving cities meaning. Finance alone cannot provide that sense of identity.Major projects on the horizon, such as Smithfield Market’s regeneration and the Museum of London’s relocation, promise to transform the City’s cultural landscape.BEST MOMENTS
“Yes, we want to bring people back, but it doesn’t mean we want them to live here.”“When you cycle across Tower Bridge and see the Tower of London with the eastern cluster behind it, it looks amazing.”“The City of London does half of all of London’s retrofits. We’re way ahead of the pack.”“Culture is where a city finds its meaning. It is not just in tall buildings or finance.”VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.ackroydlowrie.com
https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT
The devastating effect of cars in our cities with Henrietta L. Moore & Arthur Kay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44TWO0rTwtg
Engineering a Greener Future with Steve Webb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHIfzm-aMZA
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
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In this episode of Urban Forecast, hosts Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Steve Webb, Director of Webb Yates Engineers, at Milieu 134 Old Street, a landmark project by HGG London. Designed around natural materials, Milieu is a workspace that reflects the future of sustainable architecture and the setting becomes part of the conversation itself.
Steve shares how projects like Milieu point towards a new way of thinking about construction. He discusses the role of timber and stone in hybrid systems, the challenges of evolving fire regulations, and the wider cultural need for tenacity in the design industry. The conversation ranges from the forgotten lessons of 1990s sustainable architecture to the idea of developing a uniquely local architectural language in the UK.
Recorded in a building that embodies these principles, this episode brings sustainability, engineering and design to life in a very real context.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The construction industry often lacks tenacity. Too many innovative ideas are dropped at the first sign of resistance instead of being pushed through to realisation.
Sustainability in architecture is not new. It flourished in the 1990s but was largely forgotten after the financial crash of 2008.
Hybrid timber and stone systems provide a path forward. They reduce reliance on concrete while offering the thermal mass needed to avoid air conditioning in lightweight buildings.
Fire safety regulations following Grenfell have reshaped design, yet with careful thinking innovation remains possible.
Cross-laminated timber still has value even when it is not left exposed. Its real importance lies in reducing embodied carbon, though more efficient uses of timber must be explored.
Local materials can create distinct architectural languages. Just as Mallorca builds with sandstone, the UK should define its own future through homegrown resources.
The industry continues to rely on Victorian era materials such as brick, despite their inefficiency and enormous carbon footprint.
BEST MOMENTS
“What’s missing most of the time is tenacity. People need to want to do it, make the argument, and push through the problem.”
“We’re still using Victorian material in a unit sized for a sick Victorian labourer. The industry is incredibly backward.”
“If you put CLT in a building but cover it up, people say what’s the point? But actually, there’s still a good point. It’s about carbon.”
“Why aren’t there 7,000 architectural languages, one for each of the world’s 7,000 spoken languages?”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.ackroydlowrie.com
https://webbyates.com
https://hgglondon.co.uk/project/milieu
EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT
The Big Opportunity London Can’t Waste with Jace Tyrrell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn00DOeooaE
The devastating effect of cars in our cities with Henrietta L. Moore & Arthur Kay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44TWO0rTwtg
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 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. MooreVALUABLE 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]
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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
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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] - Show more
