In Short:
– Leanne Tritton discusses building reuse and urban revitalisation with Belinda Coates, highlighting Don’t Waste Buildings’ advocacy.
– Tritton highlights financial disincentives for reuse, London’s retrofitting success, and the need for clearer policy frameworks.

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.

In Short:
– The City of London prioritises walking and cycling, making it highly accessible and one of the world’s most walkable cities.
– Transport policies have reduced motor traffic by 34% and increased cycling by 70% since 2017, exceeding 2030 targets.

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.

In Short:
– Brisbane’s economy surpassed $200 billion, growing by $28 billion in four years, with a projected $275 billion by 2041.
– The Brisbane Economic Development Agency aims to enhance Brisbane’s economy, brand, and attract major events and investments.

The video features an interview with Anthony Ryan, CEO of the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, conducted by Belinda Coates. Brisbane’s economy surpassed $200 billion in Gross Regional Product this year, growing by $28 billion over four years. It is expected to reach $275 billion by 2041, driven in part by the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, medtech, and life sciences.

The Brisbane Economic Development Agency, a branch of the Brisbane City Council, aims to enhance Brisbane’s economy and global recognition. It promotes the visitor economy, investment, business growth, and attraction of major events.

Brisbane ranks 37th among innovative cities globally and contains the largest health precinct in the Southern Hemisphere. The city is gaining international attention for life science precincts and is home to Site Quantum, projected to be the world’s first commercially viable computer, supported by local universities.

Brisbane’s tourism sector generates $13.7 billion, outpacing the Gold Coast’s $7.5 billion. New developments like Howard Smith Wharves and South Bank contribute to the city’s appeal.

Recognised as Australia’s top sporting city, Brisbane plans 17 new sporting precincts for the Olympics, promoting overall growth. Collaborative efforts, such as the Better of Brisbane Alliance, aim to improve infrastructure and investment attraction.