Prior + Partners

Following a 3-stage, competitive public procurement process, Prior + Partners has been appointed to lead the 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 for the University of Leeds. The commission is the University’s response to the global shift in how we design and experience academic campuses. It is also their recognition of the opportunities that exist to enhance the existing physical environment of the 100-acre main campus to offer a more compelling student experience and support the University’s active role in the cultural and social capital and economic growth of the wider city and region. In our role, we will oversee a wider consortium of nine consultancies, including: Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, DNCO, Alan Baxter Ltd, Expedition Engineering Ltd, Gardiner & Theobald LLP, Evolve Digital Workplaces and Kate McLaren Design, along with Leeds-based practices re-form Landscape Architecture Ltd and Civic Engineers. Together this team will utilise our diverse expertise from across the university and design sector to deliver a Masterplan Framework that will become a crucial tool for future-proofing the University, ensuring the campus environment and experience supports the evolving needs of students, Faculty, Facilities Directorate staff, and visitors for decades to come. Jennifer Wilson, Director of Masterplanning, Asset Management & Sustainability at the University of Leeds said: “Reimagining our campus will deliver long-term change that will benefit the University and wider city. But most importantly, it is about creating a welcoming campus that supports the needs of students for years to come, invoking a sense of belonging and opportunity. We’re excited to be working with Prior + Partners who bring a wealth of experience and creativity to the project.” Elise Baudon, Director of Masterplanning at Prior + Partners, adds “As placemakers, we’re inspired by the fundamental role of universities in underpinning the identity of their home cities, helping to create dynamic economies, stronger communities and better futures. In the case of Leeds, our enthusiasm is only made greater by the many opportunities and assets this historic University and City has to offer. We’re excited to be embarking on a collaborative journey with the University as well as our wider design team who bring extensive experience in shaping cities, places, buildings and spaces for universities, city authorities, and major institutional partners. This local, national and international track record will inform our understanding of and approach to the layers of social and built fabric in and around the campus at Leeds.’’ The commission will run for 18 months, with the programme of engagement and an iterative design process running throughout. To read more about the project, please visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eEQkiU-W

In line with Prior + Partners' commitment to our Middle East and North Africa clients and projects, we’re seeking to grow our team operating out of the region, with the opportunity to join our #Dubai office as a New Business Co-Ordinator.   With a focus on new project pursuits in the MENA market, you will have co-responsibility for researching business opportunities and for the planning and preparation of tender documents and business proposals.  From time to time, technical support on local projects may be required, and therefore the preferred candidate will have a Degree in Architecture, Urban Design, Planning or related field of study, with experience working on such projects in the region.   Local client relationships, industry knowledge and networking is an important aspect of this position. You will also need to have great initiative and a high level of professionalism, as well as the ability to articulate the purpose of the practice, through presentations, client meetings and written proposals. To read more about the role and to apply, please visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gz_82TDT #jobopportunity

How to kick-start and accelerate the new era of strategic planning?   The Strategic Planning Group met last week for the final session of this series. The group was honoured to be joined by the Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook MP.   There were productive discussions on practical routes to delivery, including what is needed from government, place leaders and planners to accelerate preparation of Spatial Development Strategies (SDSs).   Key priorities included:   > The need to provide resources and support for ‘forerunner’ authorities in preparing SDSs which will enable early progress. This should include help to establish shadow teams.   > Promoting this new era of strategic planning is essential. Engaging place leaders and stakeholders to highlight the important role strategic planning can play to attract investment and drive sustainable growth.   > Establishing mechanisms to manage cross-boundary and functional issues that impact more than one SDS area, particularly for national and regional infrastructure, strategic development, and New Towns.   The Strategic Planning Group continues to refine its recommendations in collaboration with key stakeholders. Look out for further updates in the coming months, with the group's final recommendations set to launch in late spring. Thank you to everyone who has engaged in this important work so far. We encourage you to keep sharing your thoughts — let us know your views below. Learn more about the Strategic Planning Group and its topic-led sessions here: https://lnkd.in/ej6v3meE #strategicplanningisback Andrew Wood Simon Berkeley Bev Hindle Simon Mattinson MRTPI Hannah Hickman Laura Wood Alex Yendole Catriona Riddell Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State for Housing and Planning Joanna Averley Peter French Shaun Andrews Paul Frainer Pooja Agrawal James Harris Polly Barker Alexandra Notay, Hon MRTPI Simon Ricketts Vicky Payne Graham Thomas BSc (Hons), MRTPI, DMS (Dist) Judith Sykes FREng Paul Comerford Richard Wood Biljana Savic Chloe Rutland Kevin Reid

Prior + Partners is attending MIPIM 2025. A focal point of our time in Cannes will be supporting Business South in their showcasing of #CentralSouth, with Jason Prior and Tom Venables participating in two panel sessions focused on the future of planning, development, and regeneration in the region, which is known as the UK’s global gateway. 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵  Tuesday 11th March,16:00, Central South Stand (R7. D26) Hosted by Tom Venables, the panel will explore the renewed role of strategic planning in creating resilient, people-focused places, and highlight findings from the Prior + Partners-led #StrategicPlanningGroup, launched in 2024, which supports the UK Government’s #SpatialDevelopmentStrategies. 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗻: 𝗔 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲   Wednesday 12th March, 11:00, Central South Stand (R7. D26) Councilor Lorna Fielker, leader of Southampton City Council, and Jason Prior will discuss the Southampton Renaissance Vision, which was developed in close collaboration between Prior + Partners and the Southampton Renaissance Board. Having launched earlier this month, Lorna and Jason will reflect on the ambitious vision for the historic port city and outline the call to action. Prior + Partners will also be participating in a number of events as part of our membership with White Label Creative’s UK Cities & Partners programme, including: 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀  Thursday 13th March, 15:00, London Pavillion Tom Venables will sit as part of a panel discussion on how we can balance social, environmental, and economic factors to create healthier urban environments. For further details on these events, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gjV7eAQi To arrange a meeting at MIPIM with Tom or Jason, please either reach out directly, or get in touch with newbusiness@priorpartners.com #MIPIM2025 #CentralSouthUK #UKCAP #Placemaking #StrategicPlanning #Southampton

How should we assemble teams and develop skills to support a new era of Spatial Development Strategies?   The Strategic Planning Group recently held its fifth thematic session, examining how to assemble effective teams, enhance sector-wide skills, and build capacity to support the successful delivery of the next generation of strategic plans.   Key questions included:   > What is the ideal team structure to deliver an SDS? > How can we build capacity and effectively address the skills gap? > What should be the relationship between SDS teams, wider Local Planning Authority teams, and those responsible for other relevant plans and strategies?   We’d like to hear your thoughts below.   Learn more about the Strategic Planning Group and its topic-led sessions here: https://shorturl.at/Yrrxk

Last month, outline and detailed planning permission was secured for #Oxpens, one of the most significant development opportunities in the historic city of Oxford, UK. Located near the expanding main train station, the scheme will transform the former railway goods yard, which has been closed since the 1980s, and realise a long-standing allocation and vision in the plan for a new piece of city, bringing homes and workspaces alongside extensive public realm, including the Oxpens Amphitheatre and playspace adjoining the river. An opportunity conceived over a decade ago, this complex site has been brought forward by OXFORD WEST END DEVELOPMENT LIMITED (OXWED), a joint venture between Oxford City Council and Nuffield College. Throughout this journey, Prior + Partners’ town planning team have played a central role in the provision of strategic and client planning advisory services, working closely with the wider consultant team including masterplanners Hawkins\Brown. Together, we’ve helped define and bring forward the site vision, defined the planning strategy, and worked closely with stakeholders and local people to deliver on shared policy objectives. With consent now granted, this publicly owned land can be activated and deliver the first piece at the core of the ambition for the future of Oxford’s West End – an ambition that elevates accessibility and connectivity, creativity, vibrancy and enterprise. Image credits: 1: Aerial photograph Tony Jackson 2-4: CGIs Hawkins\Brown Read more: https://lnkd.in/eEHDH9Yt

Over the last few months, Prior + Partners have supported the development of The UK Innovation Corridor’s first Investment Prospectus, which was unveiled in January. The UK Innovation Corridor is a public private partnership who have come together to achieve a collective ambition of long-term sustainable growth in the namesake region which runs between London and Cambridge. The Prospectus outlines a bold vision for the Corridor’s future, emphasising its unique strengths in sectors such as Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals, Artificial Intelligence, Digital, Physical Sciences, alongside its connectivity to major economic hubs. In acting as research partners for the Prospectus, Prior + Partners’ have aligned to the Corridor’s ‘total place’ approach and brought to the fore a genuine integration of economic and spatial analysis to demonstrate the case for investment, and the opportunity to create one of the worlds top five knowledge regions. Through the use of the practice’s digital tools and interactive modelling skills, we’ve also been able to support through visualising data in a compelling way and to unlock new insights, with our analysis supporting the future priorities and interventions with the partnership over a number collaborative workshops. Commenting on the launch of the Investment Prospectus, Chair of the UK Innovation Corridor Jackie Sadek said: “The UK Innovation Corridor is such an exciting proposition. The Corridor’s GVA is now valued at £284.1bn so we know the contribution the region makes to the UK. It demonstrates the talent and capabilities which already exist, making it attractive to domestic and international investors and corporates to create their future here. With the addition of the investment prospectus, and the promotion of four projects in the Corridor, we can now confidently go to market to secure investment which will support the long-term growth and jobs needed to transform the economy. These projects are just the beginning and as authorities across the Corridor develop their economic plans, we are already seeing a robust future pipeline of exciting projects across different asset classes.'' Polly Barker, Place Economics Director at Prior + Partners, adds: ''The Innovation Corridor offers a major opportunity to turbo charge economic growth and realise the ambitions of the UKs Industrial Strategy. It has been a pleasure to support Jackie, John McGill and their outstanding collection of public and private sector partners in demonstrating the Corridor’s value through a total place approach. It is a particularly timely moment with the government’s renewed focus on Cambridge, and we are excited to continue our support to ensure the corridor can best leverage future opportunities from the UK and internationally.'' To find out more, please visit our website: https://shorturl.at/qWpO1 #InvestInInnovation #InnovationCorridor #London #Cambridge

How should we test and examine Spatial Development Strategies to ensure their effectiveness, drive appropriate engagement, and foster an effective relationship with the Local Plan process?   As we move towards a new era of strategic plans, last week’s fourth Strategic Planning Group Session explored key issues around the testing and examination of SDSs, recognising existing procedural practice and guidance in the examination of Spatial Development Strategies.   Key questions covered included:   > What should be the key tests for an SDS at examination? > What should the examination process look like and what is the role of the Planning Inspectorate? > What type and level of engagement is required to prepare an SDS? What would be the statutory level of engagement? > How should the relationship to Local Plans be assumed?   We’d like to hear your thoughts below.   Learn more about the Strategic Planning Group and its topic-led sessions here: https://shorturl.at/S00TZ

What data and evidence is needed to plan strategically and effect real change in your area? The work of the Strategic Planning Group continues into 2025, pressing onward with topic-led sessions. In the year that the government embarks on significant legislative changes to enable the delivery of Spatial Development Strategies (SDSs), discussions with the Group have continued to highlight the critical role of new Strategic Authorities in setting clear spatial priorities to support the delivery of high-quality homes, sustainable infrastructure, regeneration, and high-quality skills and jobs. Our third topic-led session focused on ‘Exploring the Evidence Base,’ with discussions emphasizing the importance of robust and integrated data in shaping effective, long-term SDSs. Key priorities emerging from this workshop included: > Using evidence to test visions and strategic ambitions to deliver SDSs that are justified, reasonable, and effective; > Cross-cutting evidence that efficiently and effectively "slots into" the Local Plan process, ensuring consistency and securing buy-in from stakeholders across SDS geographies; > Synthesis of place-based evidence that distinguishes the truly strategic from the local, balancing evidence that informs immediate priorities with evidence that inspires vision and future drivers for growth; > Driving efficiency, insight, and transparency from data, with a renewed focus on digital planning and a systematic approach to updating plans. We’d like to hear your thoughts below – how would you design an effective strategic planning evidence base to drive real change in your area? Learn more about the Strategic Planning Group and its topic-led sessions here: https://lnkd.in/e2T437Hx

How will your area's Spatial Development Strategy deliver a step change in ambition? Strategic planning is making a comeback in England with the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the English Devolution White Paper. These spotlight the need for co-ordinated planning across local authority boundaries, empowering new "Strategic Authorities" with responsibilities including spatial planning, economic development, skills & employment and regeneration.   Last week, the Strategic Planning Group held its second topic-led session. This workshop explored how can we best set vision and ambition at a strategic scale.   Developing future SDSs will be a journey shaped by diverse voices, drawing consensus through constructive dialogue and positive debate. Key points from discussion at Session 2 included:   > Resilient visions: SDSs need a bold vision that transcends political cycles. A vision that delivers clarity and confidence, guiding investment in infrastructure and delivering good growth; > Delivery focussed: SDSs must translate ambition into a clear, actionable spatial framework; > Effective communication: Clear place specific spatial diagrams should illustrate the vision of an SDS; > Collective energy: Building cross-party and cross-sector commitment should be a key focus for SDS visions.   Your turn – how can SDSs drive ambitious change in your area? Share your thoughts below.   Learn more about the group and its workshops: https://shorturl.at/bboKX