What's the secret to revamping one of the world's most iconic cities? Jonny Popper, CEO of LCA, joins us to uncover the political and planning transformations that have shaped London's urban landscape over the past quarter-century. We explore how establishing a mayor and assembly in 2000 catalysed a new era for London's built environment. With Jonny's expert insights, we dissect how political dynamics and the alignment of borough plans with the mayor's vision have evolved, alongside the professionalisation of planning processes. Yet, the journey is far from over, as ongoing challenges in land assembly and viability assessments continue to impact the pace of regeneration projects.
Curious about what it takes to navigate London's complex development sector? This episode promises a deep understanding of the viability challenges developers face amid an intricate web of policies and requirements. We highlight the need for political bravery and flexibility in planning decisions to enhance housing delivery while reflecting on the shifting landscape from Ken Livingstone to Sadiq Khan. The conversation underscores the tension between policy aspirations and the financial realities on the ground, emphasising the need for a balanced approach to meet ambitious housing targets.
Looking beyond London, we delve into the global investment stage with the Opportunity London initiative, a pivotal effort to attract international capital. We discuss London's role as a gateway for UK investment and the challenges international investors face. Our conversation highlights the strategic development potentials in East London, the importance of community consultation, and long-term planning in creating sustainable urban environments. As we cast an eye toward the future, we share our optimistic outlook on economic recovery and company expansion, spotlighting the latest developments within our team and the promising opportunities that lie ahead.
Find out more about the LDN Collective at
https://ldn-collective.com/
