Our infrastructure, energy and transport forum 2022
CGI of HS2 train crossing the Colne Valley viaduct (image from Jacobs) This week we will be carrying out our 'Infrastructure, energy and transport 2022' forum with the Infrastructure & Projects Authority, investor and asset manager Amber Infrastructure, the North East Combined Authority, the Northern House Partnership, RSH+P, Historic England and BDP. We will be discussing new infrastructure projects throughout the UK, reaction to the Government's Levelling Up Plan, protectio
MICA Architects wins planning for restoration of library at Oxford University
Library extension and restoration at Hertford College, Oxford University by MICA Architects Oxford City Council has approved both Listed Building Consent and Planning Permission for MICA's design proposals to restore and extend Hertford College Library. Situated at the heart of the historic college and at the centre of Oxford's ancient core, this project provides a rare opportunity to create modern, high quality library, study and meeting spaces, whilst also improving the his
Designing the new 'industrial landscape'
CGI view of redevelopment of St Petersfield, Tameside, Greater Manchester (LDA Design) LDA Design is leading a masterplan approved by Tameside Council for the town of Ashton in Greater Manchester to create a new business neighbourhood location for the innovation, design and tech sector. St Petersfield will become a more connected part of the town through a mix of welcoming new public spaces, revitalised streets and uses. The site is already home to the Victorian Grade II - li
Workspace demand from UK gaming sector set for growth says CBRE
In a new report 'Game Changers' published by global real estate adviser CBRE, research shows the UK gaming sector has grown rapidly and is now ranked 6th in the world. Driven in part by the pandemic and people looking for recreational activities to do at home, the explosion in popularity means the sector could require up to one million square feet of workspace in the UK over the next five years, according to CBRE. Take up of workspace by the gaming sector in 2021, CBRE says,
BDP progresses Indonesian green port plan
Patimban New City master-plan (Image courtesy BDP) BDP has been appointed to design a 528-hectare, mixed-use, waterfront development masterplan in Patimban New City, Indonesia. Commissioned by JICA for the West Java Government, a multidisciplinary team from BDP, Nippon Koel and AMO (Aarunya Mitra Optima) has created a new city-scale development plan on a flood-prone site, between mangrove forests and Patimban port in Subang, West Java. The sustainable masterplan aims to unloc
MEEF supports the green recovery of the London black cab sector
Future Cities Forum is delighted that Peter Radford, Principal, at Amber Infrastructure and Director of MEEF - The Mayor of London's Energy Efficiency Fund - will be joining our February forum on energy, transport and infrastructure. The fund, managed by Amber Fund Management Limited ('Amber') has provided a loan to Colts Cabs Limited ('Colts') to fund 30 LEVC TX vehicles through an innovative and flexible pay-per-mile mechanism managed by Zeti Limited ('Zeti'). Zeti develope
Creating sustainable tourism for Venice through opera
Model of San Cassiano Theatre, Venice - made by Base Models and photographed by Janie Airey (Courtesy Teatro San Cassiano) Post pandemic there have been rumblings again around how to create a sustainable form of tourism for Venice. The 'day tripper' still accounts for a huge swell in visitors to the city, but without drawing in significant spend. Could re-building the 17th century Teatro San Cassiano help to start a new destination for opera lovers, who would be tempted to st
West Midands Combined Authority CEO Laura Shoaf talks to Future Cities Forum
Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority, Laura Shoaf (Courtesy WMCA) Future Cities Forum was delighted to speak to the Chief Executive of West Midlands Combined Authority, Laura Shoaf, this week on future transport projects being planned for this region of the country over the next two decades. 'When did you last see the PM or a senior minister pictured on a bus? Public transport has been stigmatized during Covid-19', Laura remarked during our conversation on
Joined-up housing and infrastructure in Enfield
Connected Living London's development by Cockfosters London Underground station in Enfield (Transport for London / Grainger PLC) Future Cities Forum is discussing TfL's housing development at Cockfosters Tube station at our Infrastructure and Transport event this month. Our discussions in the forum have often focused on the vital area of joined up housing and infrastructure as some developments in the past have left residents isolated from well connected transport. Proposals
New sustainability models for airports
Image from RSHP: the new Aile Est at Geneva Airport Future Cities Forum is looking at the sustainability and energy saving approaches to airports post the pandemic, where air travel is increasing now restrictions are ending. The work that Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners has been carrying out at the Aile Est (East Wing), Geneva Airport, is designed to meet the objective of delivering energy positive buildings with regards to energy consumption. It is is based on a collaborati