Plan4Better’s Post

🌟 Exciting Developments in Urban Regeneration! 🏙️ Today's 'In Focus' editorial delves into the pivotal role of experiences in regenerating town and city centres amidst the evolving landscape of digital commerce. As online shopping grows, our town centres face a challenge: how to remain vibrant and essential hubs of community life. Key Insights include: 👉 The decline of traditional retail has left gaps in community cohesion and economic vitality. 👉 Experiences have the power to engage and create lasting memories, offering a tangible alternative to online shopping. 👉 Cultural, recreational, and interactive retail initiatives can make town centres appealing destinations for diverse populations. This editorial reflects insights that will be discussed at the forthcoming Experience on Main Street Conference on 10 July, where industry leaders will discuss innovative strategies for urban renewal. Join us and other visionaries at this pivotal event to explore how experiences can redefine our city centres: https://lnkd.in/eJxYE3uZ #ExperienceonMainStreet #Conference #HighStreet #ShoppingMalls #Developers #LeisureOperators #localauthorities #developers #planners #architects #retail #cultural #bid #experiencedesigners #leisureoperators #hightstreets #shoppingmalls #downtowns #Placemaking

🌟 My Journey with Mixed-Use Developments I've been fascinated by how mixed-use developments are transforming retail landscapes, seamlessly blending residential, commercial, and retail spaces into vibrant hubs. Here’s why they’re so impactful: -> Dynamic Retail Hub: These developments create lively communities where I can live, work, and shop—all within walking distance. It’s incredibly convenient and fosters a thriving retail environment. -> Economic Stability: As a retailer, having a diverse customer base of residents and retail businesses ensures steady foot traffic and sales opportunities, which is crucial for long-term success. -> Community Connection: I love how these spaces encourage social interaction and cultural activities. It’s not just about shopping; it’s about building relationships and loyalty with my customers. -> Flexibility and Resilience: In today’s ever-changing market, mixed-use developments offer flexibility to adapt to new trends and consumer preferences. This adaptability ensures we stay relevant and resilient. -> Urban Renewal: Being part of revitalizing urban areas is fulfilling. It’s about more than business—it’s about contributing to the growth and sustainability of the community. Mixed-use developments are more than just buildings; they’re catalysts for innovation and community building. I’m excited to continue exploring how they shape the future of retail and urban living. Join me in embracing this journey of retail innovation and community transformation! #MixedUseDevelopment #RetailInnovation #UrbanRevitalization #CommunityBuilding

Great to be on the panel of last month's RICS seminar on the future of urban retail places, global and local. Some interesting discussion points from Platform For Places co-founder Rebecca Trevalyan and urbanist legend Theodore Liebman. A nice summary of the key points here, thanks to Steven Matz for anyone interested in what we mused were the key elements for a successful city. #reimagineretail #realestatetrends

🌆 Embracing Urbanisation: Shaping the Future of Commercial Real Estate 🏢 By 2050, a remarkable 68% of the world's population is projected to reside in urban areas, marking a profound shift that is reshaping cityscapes and driving demand across commercial real estate sectors. At CIRES Property Solutions, we recognise the transformative impact of urbanisation on cities and the opportunities it presents for commercial properties. Key Drivers of Urbanisation: Economic Opportunities: Cities serve as hubs for employment, education, and innovation, attracting individuals in pursuit of improved living standards. Infrastructure Development: Enhanced infrastructure and public services in urban areas enhance their appeal for residents and businesses alike. Lifestyle Preferences: Younger generations favor the dynamic, convenient lifestyles offered by urban environments, contributing to urban growth. Impact on Commercial Real Estate: Rising Demand for Office Spaces: The influx of businesses and professionals into urban centres fuels the need for flexible, modern office spaces. Co-working facilities and smart buildings are pivotal in meeting this demand. Expansion of Retail Centres: Urbanisation boosts consumer spending, driving the development of vibrant shopping centres and retail districts that offer experiential and lifestyle-oriented shopping experiences. Emergence of Mixed-Use Developments: Integrating residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, mixed-use developments meet urban dwellers' desire for convenience and community. These developments provide a comprehensive urban lifestyle experience. Future Considerations: Sustainability: Sustainable building practices and green infrastructure are essential to mitigate environmental impact and foster healthier urban environments. Smart City Technologies: Incorporating smart technologies into urban planning enhances efficiency, security, and quality of life, making cities more attractive for businesses and residents. Affordable Housing: Ensuring affordable housing options in urban areas is crucial to accommodate population growth and promote socio-economic equity. Urbanisation presents exciting opportunities for the commercial real estate sector. As cities evolve, so too does the demand for innovative, sustainable properties that meet the diverse needs of urban populations. Explore how CIRES Property Solutions navigates the complexities of urbanisation to deliver tailored commercial real estate solutions. Visit our website to learn more: www.cires.co.za 🌐
 @CIRES Property Solutions (Pty) Ltd

 @Neil Stephen @Grant Race @Pierre Bezuidenhoudt @Mark Hawke 
#Urbanisation #CommercialRealEstate #FutureOfCities #SmartCities #SustainableDevelopment #CIRESPropertySolutions

HOW TO THINK ABOUT URBAN PLACES The remarkable thing about busy, walkable urban centers is their multitude of layers and interactions. People commuting to work, shopping, visiting cafes, and merchants engaging with customers create a dynamic environment filled with many activities. The variety of activities matters because each individual's task or action is completely intertwined with everyone else's, fostering greater engagement, increased commerce, and heightened attraction, even though they all act independently. This energy drives investment, attracts people, and creates the urban centers that shape thriving cities. https://lnkd.in/gRhMmSFx

Happy Cities Are Redeveloping into Places for People At this year’s QuadState APA Conference in Fayetteville, Arkansas, I had the opportunity to engage with thought leaders and urban planners from across the region. Dr. Tristan Cleveland, an urban planner and research specialist for Happy Cities, led an insightful discussion on reshaping urban spaces to prioritize people over cars, promoting healthier, more sustainable, and more inclusive communities. A key takeaway from the session was that making car-dependent places more people-centered in design doesn’t always work. In fact, most of the time, it doesn’t increase land values or active transportation use, and it can reduce the financial outcomes of affordable housing investments. Even congestion reduction strategies may lower the GDP of the area. So, where should you focus your people-centered development efforts? The answer lies in where market trends are shifting. Retail purchasing patterns have changed, meaning fewer people shop at malls, and office space demand—particularly Class B office space—is declining. If the old development pattern is working, there’s no need to invest in transforming it. Instead, identify underutilized spaces and concentrate your efforts there. The best long-term activation strategy is to play small ball. Here’s how: 1. Activate and fund a dedicated organization to manage redevelopment efforts in the selected area. 2. Sustain the initiative with a consistent yearly budget to ensure long-term growth and stability. 3. Invest small amounts yearly to make gradual improvements. There’s no need to swing for the fences with a big project like a stadium. By taking this approach, communities can thoughtfully transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, people-centered places that reflect the needs of today’s changing market. #UrbanPlanning #PeopleFirst #QuadStateAPA #HappyCities #Fayetteville #SustainableCommunities #UrbanDesign #Infrastructure #ShockeyConsulting #planningmonth American Planning Association April Snay, AICP Grant Mayfield Cara Elbert Jeffrey Williams, AICP Grant L. Happycities

HOW TO THINK ABOUT URBAN PLACES The remarkable thing about busy, walkable urban centers is their multitude of layers and interactions. People commuting to work, shopping, visiting cafes, and merchants engaging with customers create a dynamic environment filled with many activities. The variety of activities matters because each individual's task or action is completely intertwined with everyone else's, fostering greater engagement, increased commerce, and heightened attraction, even though they all act independently. This energy drives investment, attracts people, and creates the urban centers that shape thriving cities. https://lnkd.in/gfDQK-_9

📢📢📢 Exciting News! 📢📢📢 🏬🛍️ The State of the British High Street: Why Expertise Matters 🛒🏬 Dunning–Kruger effect 🌟 Have you ever wondered why, despite investing over £10,000,000,000 in the British high street, there has been no significant increase in footfall? 🚶♂️🚶♀️ 🔍 Let's take a closer look at this issue and discuss why utilizing the expertise of REAL professionals could have made a difference. 💡 📉 The decline of footfall on the British high street is an ongoing concern that affects not only businesses but also local communities. Despite substantial investments, many areas are still struggling to attract customers and revitalize their retail sectors. So, what could be the missing piece of the puzzle? EXPERTS Dunning–Kruger effect 💼 One key aspect that has been overlooked is the involvement of REAL experts who specialize in urban planning, retail strategy, and consumer behavior. These professionals possess the knowledge and experience to analyze market trends, understand customer preferences, and develop effective strategies to enhance the high street experience. 🌐 By engaging REAL experts, we could have gained valuable insights into the changing dynamics of consumer behavior and the evolving retail landscape.They could have helped identify the root causes of the footfall decline and tailored solutions to address these issues effectively. 💡 The expertise of REALL professionals could have led to better urban planning, ensuring that high streets are designed to meet the needs and expectations of modern consumers. They could have facilitated the creation of vibrant and engaging spaces that go beyond traditional retail, incorporating elements such as leisure, entertainment, and community hubs. 🔝 Additionally, REAL experts could have provided guidance on innovative marketing and branding strategies to attract and retain customers. They could have helped businesses adapt to the digital age by integrating online and offline experiences, creating seamless omnichannel journeys, and leveraging technology to drive footfall. 🤝 Collaboration between local authorities, businesses, and REAL experts is crucial for the revitalization of the British high street. By harnessing the power of REAL expertise, we can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by a rapidly changing retail landscape. ✨ It's time to recognize that the high street is not just a collection of shops, but a vital part of our communities. Let's leverage the knowledge and insights of REAL experts to breathe new life into our high streets, creating vibrant and thriving spaces that foster economic growth and social cohesion. 🌟 Are you ready to join the conversation and explore how REAL expertise can shape the future of our high streets?Let's work together to make a difference. 💪 #ExpertiseMatters #Revitalization #Community #RetailStrategy #ConsumerBehavior #Future #Innovation #EntrepreneurialShip #DigitalMarketing #VisualMerchandising

The future of cities lies in vibrant, multiuse districts that blend work, play, and community. From reimagining shopping centers to creating sports and entertainment hubs, Gensler’s J.F. Finn and David Glover explore how mixed-use spaces are transforming urban life. https://lnkd.in/ep_nAFrx #UrbanDesign #Placemaking #CityDevelopment #MixedUse

I always keep Bloomberg news on the tv in the background at the office, just in case a headline scrolls by that I won't see anywhere else, but is relevant to what we do every day. So here we go with one. As first reported by Bloomberg, the news that Gansevoort Market’s last meatpacking businesses are leaving their iconic space in NYC’s Meatpacking District signals the end of a significant era. The city’s redevelopment plans will bring affordable housing, expanded cultural space for the Whitney Museum, and new public areas, but it also marks the departure of small, multi-generational businesses that have defined this neighborhood for over a century. While it’s true that these meatpacking facilities need modernized infrastructure to compete in today’s industry, their relocation raises bigger questions about the future of New York’s neighborhoods. How do we balance the need for updated infrastructure and housing with the preservation of our city’s industrial heritage? Could there have been support for Gansevoort Market’s tenants to modernize in place, keeping an element of New York’s working-class identity? This redevelopment might represent “progress,” but if the outcome is an area filled with luxury housing and upscale boutiques, does it really serve the broader New York community? Or are we once again seeing a neighborhood’s character replaced by a high-end façade? As NYC moves forward, let’s ensure our urban evolution doesn’t come at the cost of what makes New York…New York. https://lnkd.in/etePKc9t #NYC #UrbanDevelopment #AffordableHousing #HistoricPreservation #MeatpackingDistrict #CommunityImpact #CulturalHeritage #SmallBusiness #CityPlanning #EconomicDevelopment #LocalEconomy #NeighborhoodRevitalization #Gentrification #NewYorkCity #NYC #UrbanDevelopment #AffordableHousing #HistoricPreservation #MeatpackingDistrict #CommunityImpact #CulturalHeritage #SmallBusiness #CityPlanning #EconomicDevelopment #LocalEconomy #NeighborhoodRevitalization #Gentrification #NewYorkCity