Leanne Tritton, co-founder of Don’t Waste Buildings, discussed asset revitalization and urban futures in a recent interview with host Belinda Coates. Don’t Waste Buildings, co-founded by Tritton, Will Hurst, and Richard Nelson, advocates for reusing existing buildings as the most sustainable choice. The group views these structures as community resources rather than mere assets.

In the UK, many buildings face unnecessary demolition yearly. Tritton highlighted that the financial system discourages reuse, particularly outside London. New constructions benefit from zero VAT, while reusing existing buildings is burdened by a 20% VAT, complicating the process for small to medium enterprises.

Retrofit Policies

Tritton praised London as a leader in retrofitting, showcasing innovative reuse of even mundane buildings from the 1960s. However, she noted a “confused” policy environment, where local authorities vary in their commitment to retrofit policies despite national goals aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

While Tritton recognizes that some buildings may need demolition due to structural issues, she suggests a broader perspective on preservation. She emphasized that recent constructions often have shorter lifespans, citing the Broadgate Tower as an example.

The Don’t Waste Buildings group aims to develop an AI model to gather global best practices in building policy. For further information, visit dontwastebuildings.com.

Until founder Vishal Amin joins Belinda Coates on The Connector to explain how the company is reshaping the wellness landscape. Born from Amin’s personal frustration navigating fragmented health services, Until brings practitioners together under one roof to give customers true continuity of care.

The platform removes the old reliance on long-term leases by providing flexible, modern spaces tailored to the post-COVID world. Practitioners—from personal trainers to medical and dental specialists—can run their businesses without the financial risk or operational headaches of traditional real estate.

Today, more than 450 experts collaborate inside Until’s locations, forming a thriving community that shares knowledge, clients, and support.

Amin says the industry first doubted the model, but its success speaks for itself. With strategic sites across London, a new location opening in Canary Wharf, and expansion plans into the US and Middle East, Until aims to scale a global network built on technology, community, and better economics for those who keep us well.

Shravan Joshi from the City of London Corporation highlighted the significant transformation of London’s transport network to enhance walkability and cycling.London is recognised as a highly walkable city, attributed to policymakers prioritising ground-level environments suitable for walking. The Square Mile features superior public transport accessibility, with six mainline stations and numerous underground and DLR stops.

Efforts to create a pedestrian and cycle-friendly environment have seen approximately 750,000 daily walks and wheel journeys within the square mile. Policies emphasise pedestrianisation and cycling, deeply embedding these priorities into city planning.

Freight traffic decreased

The City of London has surpassed its 2030 transportation targets, achieving a 70% increase in cycling since 2017, against a goal of 50%. Moreover, motor traffic has been reduced by 34%, exceeding the 25% target, while freight traffic decreased by 21%.

The Destination City Growth Strategy aims to attract people back to the city centre post-pandemic by enhancing hospitality and leisure options. The workforce has grown by 25%, now exceeding 675,000.

Public transport accessibility remains high, with 99.6% of office spaces within a five-minute walk from transport hubs. The upcoming City Plan 2040 anticipates a need for 1.2 million square meters of additional office space, promoting sustainability and urban regeneration.