Labour's affordable housing pledge; Bringing Eden to Dundee; Europe's largest food hall; Europa Nostra award for 'Grandparent' of skyscrapers

In this edition, we explore the potential impact of a new Labour Government on housing delivery, with a particular focus on affordable and social housing.

We also highlight two diverse urban regeneration projects, one in Sheffield (have a look at the drone footage) and one in Dundee, which are creating sustainable neighbourhoods and communities that are economically resilient and will stand the test of time.

And we share news of awards, views from site, and our latest online exhibition.

What does a new Labour Government mean for the design and procurement of new homes?

A new Labour Government promises a renewed focus on housing delivery and on affordable housing in particular, with an aim of “the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation”.

Although we can hopefully expect new ministerial roles and national plans to support this, the cornerstone of Labour’s housing strategy is to empower Local Authorities with greater funding and license to build homes directly. What will this mean for the design and procurement of those homes? How can all this construction be squared with the climate emergency?

Read Andy Macintosh 's analysis here.

Bringing together a community of independent entrepreneurs in the heart of Sheffield

Europe's largest food hall, the 'Cambridge Street Collective,' recently opened as the centerpiece of the Heart of The City redevelopment

Developed by Sheffield City Council with developers Queensberry and designed by FCBStudios, the project also includes a flagship office building and historic metalworker workshops turned studios. The result is a vibrant, social, and communal destination that is unmistakably 'of Sheffield'.

Eden Project Dundee will breathe new life into a disused gas works

Planning has been approved for this major regenerative redevelopment for the city of Dundee

Eden Project Dundee will be a landmark development for the city, transforming the former gasworks on East Dock Street into a beacon for regeneration and green tourism. It will encourage visitors to think, feel and act differently by revealing how we can learn from and be inspired by nature.

Grandparent of the skyscrapers wins a prestigious Europa Nostra award

The ￡28 million repair and adaptive re-use of one of the most important buildings of the industrial revolution is recognised for its profound community impact.

The renovation of Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, the first iron-framed building, and forerunner of modern skyscrapers, has won a Europa Nostra Award 2024 for Conservation and Adaptive Reuse.

Online Exhibition Goes Live

Record numbers of visitors came to our exhibition, 'Architecture For A Changing World' during London Festival of Architecture and it remains open to the public. But if you can't come in person we have an online version here.

ON SITE