Whether it’s devolution, levelling up or urban regeneration – our cities need us

COMMENT The United Nations has predicted that 68% of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2050. By current estimates, that equates to more than 6.5bn people living in towns and cities globally. Here in the UK, our cities are an immense source of pride for the country and the people who live in them – but in too many cases they are failing to live up to their potential. London is a global city, a political, cultural and economic capital, yet 38% of its children live in poverty, the highest levels in the country. Similarly, UK cities outside the capital lag behind their European peers, from Barcelona to Munich or Milan – cities with similar industrial mixes and similar populations but with 50% stronger economies. Harsh truth We face a stark reality: if we, collectively, fail to take action now, we could be faced with future cities that are virtually unliveable – with deeply entrenched inequality, crippling social isolation and serious health issues. Through an innovative new report, Shaping successful future cities, we have examined what successful – and unsuccessful – cities of the future could look like, as well as the practical implications for our business and our industry more broadly. The report maps the opportunities and threats that lie ahead, and sets out a path that will allow developers, cities and communities to better prepare for the future. While the research paints a picture of uncertainty, it also provides hope. Ensuring our cities are not just fit for the future, but places where people can thrive, places that can deliver good, clean growth, will take new ideas, policy and leadership. This includes how we build, how we co-create public spaces, the types of transport infrastructure needed, and more. Future planning This project has sought to understand the factors driving the future of urbanisation and what will make a successful city on a 10-year-plus timescale. While change in our cities is possible, it will require political drive as well as the support of the people living in those cities for it to happen. We need to work together to avoid the dystopian future set out in the report. We, at Landsec, benefit from and contribute to the development of our urban spaces. Our success is intrinsically linked to our ability to create places that prosper long-term. I recognise that Landsec needs to play its part. We need to act early in response to changes and trends in our markets and we must lead our industry forward on critical long-term issues, from diversity to social mobility, carbon and climate resilience. Whether it is badged as devolution, levelling up or urban regeneration, we want to play our part in contributing to a renaissance of the UK’s cities; it’s in our interests, it’s in the national interest and it’s in the interest of all those who live, work and play in cities across the country. We’ll continue to use our scale, expertise, and experience to meet the changing needs of cities and their communities wherever possible. But we also need that commitment from others. Active engagement both with and from government as well as local communities and developers can help us to drive a united approach that delivers the progress and outcomes required to protect our planet and our communities, driving growth and prosperity for the entire country. Mark Allan is chief executive at Landsec Image from Landsec