COMMENT As UK cities evolve at pace, the essential interplay of the public and private sectors and the priorities driving change are not standing still. Recent poll data from Avison Young reveals priorities that are unique and distinctive to their location, but also, importantly, to a point in time.
Avison Young’s recent Urban Futures event series brought together more than 1,000 public and private sector delegates across nine UK host cities. Attendees in each location selected their top three priorities for future development and investment. While there were stark contrasts in responses, there were also common themes.
Avison Young will continue to chart the priorities of key decision-makers via events and ongoing dialogues in our locations across the UK. What do these recent viewpoints tell us today about the priorities driving the change we will be seeing in our cities tomorrow? And what else do we need to bear in mind when considering the priorities driving change in a place?
Common ground in housing
An affordable housing shortfall in cities is a challenge that was prioritised by many participants. Driven by a spike in population growth, urbanisation and economic opportunity, this highlights the chance for public and private partnerships to play an “acceleration” role in shaping urban landscapes, to create vibrant, liveable and prosperous cities that meet the needs and aspirations of their diverse communities.
While housing as a priority isn’t surprising, the real question is: how do we solve this at scale, at the right level of quality, in a suitable timeframe, where it matters most within our cities?
Contrasts uncovered
Each city has its own unique set of challenges, ambitions and drivers. For example, employability and skills of the local workforce took the top spot in Liverpool, whereas transport improvements and the need for enhanced mobility and accessibility were key in Cardiff. In Bristol and Manchester, access to transport networks and housing stood out first for the audiences, while in Newcastle inward investment was cited as the top priority on the day. Our polls represent a moment in time, and the differing drivers we see this year indicate where cities are on their journey.
In it for the long haul
What our polls don’t show is the sheer amount of time and effort it takes to make impactful change. With urban development projects often spanning decades, the need for endurance, born out of a strong vision aligned to a set of clear outcomes, must prevail. These projects and their partners must navigate economic cycles, political change (not least an impending general election) and evolving community needs. Although investment strategies may change, the commitment to a shared vision stands strong. The partnerships that succeed invest heavily in each other and, where needed, adopt flexible approaches to change over time. If asked about priorities over a 10-year time frame, one could be sure that priorities would change over time. How we respond to those shifts can determine the success of a partnership.
ESG lower than expected
The assurance that all developments meet the highest environmental, social and governance standards ranked relatively low in priority across our audiences. However, we suggest this shouldn’t be misconstrued as a lack of interest in ESG values. Instead, it perhaps shows that current challenges, such as housing and transport, are simply demanding more immediate attention. It could also be acknowledged that the environmental and the governance are now seen as foundational in urban development strategies. There is also an evolving understanding of the social as we see the industry call for standardisation across how we deliver social impact in the urban environment. While progress is still needed, this level of priority indicates that action is being taken.
Facing the future together
While there is no denying that the development of thriving cities is complex, and priorities are diverse, there is a unified and collaborative spirit, and a shared commitment between public and private sectors to cultivate vibrant, sustainable urban communities.
As these priorities unfold year by year, the innovative ways in which the public and private sectors respond to the ever-changing needs of communities are going to be the real stories within the perspectives our audiences share with us.
Top priorities
- Providing sufficient and appropriate homes
- Improving access to the city’s transport network
- Promoting innovation and knowledge-led growth with universities
- Focusing on strategic inward investment across all city sectors
- Maximising the employability and skills of the local workforce
Stephen Cowperthwaite is managing director, regions and Liverpool, Avison Young
