Bruntwood's Head of Strategy to join our Leeds forum

Bruntwood's Head of Strategy, Jessica Bowles, will be speaking at Future Cities Forum's event in Leeds on May 11 which is dedicated to debate around the UK government's levelling up agenda.

Jessica holds firm views about the importance of devolution saying that it is a 'mission critical to ensuring the Government's investment in the recovery is effective and long-lasting.'

She commented:

'Many city regions, like Liverpool, Greater Manchester, Leeds and the West Midlands, have been preparing long-term recovery plans for how they'd use new funding, and flex existing funds, to create sustainable growth and jobs. Local decisions, with public and private sector working together, will guarantee a better return on investment.

'Infrastructure projects will catch the eye but previous commitments to areas like research and development expenditure - to help the UK meet the OECD average of 2.4% of GDP by 2027 - are vital to our long-term competitiveness but need to be rebalanced to regions with significant potential outside of the South East of England.

'If our regional towns and cities succeed the UK will succeed.'

Bruntwood Group has carried out research asking 2,500 people 'what makes for a thriving city?' The firm reported back that people overwhelmingly spoke about the importance of creating opportunities; providing space to make connections; the impact of the environment; and the experiences that cities can offer.

Bruntwood SciTech has marked the topping out of Enterprise Wharf, Birmingham's first smart-enabled building located in the city's Knowledge Quarter (B:KQ). The building will complete later this year and will reduce emissions, lower operational costs and optimise workers' experience and wellbeing. Innovative new technologies will be embedded throughout the building to provide insights into its energy use. Enterprise Wharf is a short walk from HS2's Curzon Wharf station.

Meanwhile Bruntwood and Trafford Council have received outline planning approval for the Stretford town centre transformation masterplan in Greater Manchester. The project aims to transform Stretford Mall and town centre into a greener, healthier and more sustainable area. Changes include reinstating historic King Street as a revitalised high street to attract independent businesses, establishing a covered market hall to include retail, eateries and bar areas, and widespread landscaping to provide green spaces for the community to come together.