A Concilio podcast featuring London political analysis and its impact on the planning and property sector. Hosted by former Labour political adviser Luke Francis and Conservative adviser Nathan Parsad-Wyatt with special guests.
Alex Woolf, COO of Romulus, on reimagining a former shopping centre for a new era of local living, leisure and flexible working. In this episode of the Better Places podcast, Concilio's Managing Director, Nick Dines, sits down with Alex Woolf, Chief Operating Officer at Romulus, to explore how the team turned the struggling Centre Court shopping centre into Wimbledon Quarter - a thriving, community-focused destination. Alex shares the vision behind the transformation, from bringing in new uses like co-working, leisure and independent F&B, to building local partnerships and even launching a rooftop mushroom farm. With footfall rising and new tenants thriving, Wimbledon Quarter is a case study in long-term regeneration that puts people and place first. Don't miss this conversation – listen now!
Leader of Barking & Dagenham Council, Cllr Dominic Twomey joins Concilio's Account Director Siddo Dwyer to discuss how bold, community-focused leadership is transforming one of London's most dynamic boroughs. In the latest episode of Concilio's Better Places podcast, Account Director Siddo Dwyer is joined by Cllr Dominic Twomey, Leader of Barking & Dagenham Council, to discuss how bold, community-oriented leadership is transforming this dynamic outer-London borough. Dominic Twomey, a local resident turned council leader, is steering the borough through an unprecedented regeneration programme - delivering 50,000 homes and 20,000 jobs by 2037. In this insightful conversation, Dominic reveals: How Barking & Dagenham became London's leading borough in affordable housing delivery, providing 1 in 5 of the capital's new council-built affordable homes. The strategic role of Be First, the borough's pioneering regeneration company, driving investment, innovation, and growth. How Dominic balances rapid development in places like Beam Park and Barking Riverside with inclusive growth and tackling child poverty. His vision for the future—including the borough's exciting new Film Studio Quarter, bringing creativity and investment to the area. This conversation is essential listening for anyone involved in London's planning, housing, or regeneration sectors. Dominic's practical insights highlight how effective leadership can deliver genuine community benefits alongside ambitious growth. Don't miss this conversation – listen now!
In this must-listen episode of Concilio's Better Places Podcast, Siddo Dwyer is joined by Chris Worrall and Eve McQuillan from Labour YIMBY, leading voices pushing for transformative housing policy within the Labour Party. With Britain's housing system in crisis, Chris—a prominent housing policy expert—and Eve, who formerly led planning in Tower Hamlets, share their insights into how Labour can become the party of homebuilding, breaking down barriers to deliver genuinely affordable homes. They discussed: The urgent need for planning reform to unlock stalled developments and overcome political gridlock. Practical solutions inspired by successful international models—including density bonuses, municipal land managers, and innovative financing methods. Eve's experience navigating housing challenges at local authority level, including complex estate regeneration and the cladding crisis. Strategies to manage rapid development sustainably, ensuring that cultural and nightlife spaces are protected and vibrant communities thrive. If you're involved in planning, housing policy, local government, or simply passionate about solving Britain's housing shortage, this conversation provides fresh, practical ideas you won't want to miss.
In this episode, we are joined by Councillor Stephen Cowan, leader of Hammersmith and Fulham Council. Stephen shares his journey from being first elected in 1998 to leading the council through significant transformations. He discusses the borough's industrial strategy, the collaboration with Imperial College, and the council's commitment to delivering better value for residents. Tune in to hear about the innovative approaches that have positioned Hammersmith and Fulham as a global tech hub and the efforts to ensure inclusive growth for the community.
The founder and CEO of MARK shares the 10 year story of how this iconic London building has been transformed In this episode, we explore one of London's most ambitious regeneration projects—The Whiteley. With C C Land as the chief investor, the project is repurposing a historic shopping centre into a world-class mixed-use destination, featuring luxury homes, premium retail, and the UK's first Six Senses hotel. Our guest, Marcus Meijer, founder and CEO of MARK, shares exclusive insights on: The vision behind The Whiteley's transformation C C Land's pivotal role in securing investment and driving the project Challenges of delivering major regeneration projects The future of London's real estate market Don't miss this episode! Listen now
Camden Council's Cabinet Member for New Homes & Community Investment, Cllr Nasrine Djemai joins Concilio's Account Director Siddo Dwyer to discuss the future of Camden. In the latest episode of Concilio's Better Places podcast, Account Director Siddo Dwyer sits down with Cllr Nasrine Djemai, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Community Investment at Camden Council, to explore the future of Camden, diving into how Camden is shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future. Key points discussed: Camden's Community Investment Programme Affordable Housing & temporary accommodation pressures Climate-focused Future Neighbourhood programmes The repurposing council assets for social action Sustainable Development & Regeneration in growth areas like Regis Road Cllr Djemai's lived experience with HS2 played a pivotal role in catching the attention of both HS2 leadership and Camden Council, ultimately inspiring her to run for public office. In the podcast, she discusses Camden's Local Plan, the role of public-private partnerships, and the borough's ambitious Community Investment Programme - a £2.3bn initiative delivering over 1,700 homes, marking a key milestone in a pipeline of 4,850 new homes. She also emphasises her belief that residents are the experts, advocating for a community-led approach that ensures local voices help shape and deliver Camden's major developments. Don't miss this conversation – listen now!
In the latest episode of Concilio's Better Places podcast, Managing Director Nick Dines sits down with Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor of London for Planning, Regeneration and Skills and Lisa Fairmaner, Head of the London Plan, to explore how the London Plan can be used as a basis for future Spatial Development Strategies across England. Key points discussed: How the London Plan can serve as a model for regional spatial development strategies The role of devolution in shaping planning policy across England How the new regional bodies and unitary councils should seek to find common ground The importance of collaboration between public and private sectors
Sarah Cary discusses how White City is fostering innovation, sustainability, and community through thoughtful design and strategic collaboration. In this episode of Better Places, Concilio's Managing Director Nick Dines in conversation with Sarah Cary, White City Development Director at Imperial College London. Sarah discusses the White City Deep Tech Campus, a thriving hub for innovation, sustainability, and community impact. She and Nick discuss how Imperial is shaping a world-class ecosystem for research, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. Key Topics discussed: Innovation at White City – How cutting-edge research in AI, biotech, and robotics is driving real-world impact. Sustainability in Action – Imperial's bold approach to achieving net-zero carbon by 2040. Community at the Heart – Ensuring White City's growth creates opportunities for local people. Sarah's insights highlight how thoughtful design can support innovation, inclusion, and sustainability. Don't miss this conversation—listen now!
On this episode of the Better Places Podcast, Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development at Westminster City Council, joins Account Director, Yiannis Sophocleous for an discussion about the administration's key priorities for the year ahead, the City Plan Partial Review, and major policy developments at both the London and national level. Key topics discussed include: Reflections on almost three years in administration and key priorities for the coming year. The Westminster City Plan Partial Review and the Retrofit-First policy—what these changes mean for planning and development in the borough The revival of Oxford Street and high streets across Westminster—including the proposal for a Mayoral Development Corporation. National and London policy changes—how Westminster is responding to planning reforms Whether you're a policymaker, developer, or community advocate, this conversation offers fresh perspectives and actionable insights into the future of Westminster City Council- London's economic powerhouse and the beating heart of the UK's commercial, political, and cultural activity. Listen to the Better Places Podcast here: https://conciliocomms.com/discussion-on-westminster-sustainability-priorities-and-creating-fairer-communities/
In this episode, we explore how the planning system approaches data centres, what their designation as Critical National Infrastructure means, and the emerging proposals for AI Growth Zones. Other key topics we discuss include: - The Labour Party's manifesto pledge to remove planning barriers for data centres. - The Government's recent classification of data centres as Critical National Infrastructure. - The revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and its impact on data centres. - The AI Opportunities Action Plan and what it means for future development. - The challenges of energy consumption, the role of nuclear power, and how data centres benefit local communities. You can listen to it here!
In the latest episode of Concilio's Better Places podcast. Account Director Siddo Dwyer sat down with Lambeth's Cllr Rezina Chowdhury – Deputy Leader of the Council (Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air). The episode focused on current challenges and policies that she has overseen not just in Lambeth but ones that have had a London wide effect. This included: How Cllr Chowdhury's upbringing and decade of experience in local government have shaped her policy outlook Her message to developers about helping shape the borough of Lambeth and it being open to sustainable development Lambeth's race to achieve Net Zero by 2030 Its groundbreaking Climate Action Plan The borough's transformative approach to the Kerbside Innovative policies addressing air quality and active travel The role of retrofitting in achieving Net-Zero goals We do hope you enjoy this insightful conversation, you can listen to the episode here.
We are delighted to share with you the first episode of Concilio's Better Places podcast for 2025. Our Managing Director Nick Dines sat down with the country's highest rated planning solicitor – Simon Ricketts, Partner at Town Legal. In this latest episode of the Better Places podcast Nick and Simon sought to summarise the key planning and local government changes announced by the Government in the run-up to Christmas, discussing: The 12-week requirement for local authorities to commit to a new timetable for Local Plans What the presumption in favour of sustainable development must have real teeth means for councils without a Plan in place The Five-Year Housing Land Supply implications Clarity on the ‘Grey Belt' definition The impact of the London Plan being used as a model for Mayoral Strategic Authorities in developing Spatial Development Strategies Whether councils can manage the workload given all the announced changes For more information about Concilio, visit our website here - https://conciliocomms.com
On the latest edition of the Concilio Better Places Podcast, Account Director Siddo Dwyer sat down with the Leader of Southwark Council, Cllr Kieron Williams. The interview focussed on the Southwark Council's recently published Securing the Future of Council Housing report. Over 100 councils formed an unprecedented coalition to identify five practical solutions for a fairer funding deal and reforms to kick-start the construction of new homes. This surrounds an ongoing debate about plans to retrofit council properties and measures to bring their stock up to decent standard. We also discuss his journey as Leader of the Council, tackling the housing crisis, and the planning policies shaping Southwark today. To hear this compelling discussion with Cllr Williams you can listen here!
On the latest edition of Better Places, we sat down with leading industry professionals across the property and planning sectors. We were delighted to interview Andy Cox - Director at Trigon development managers, Cat Fraser – Director at Turley planners, and Arron Taggart – Head of UK Investment at Cheyne Capital on their perspective as professionals in the field. Hosted by our very own Siddo Dwyer, this was a fascinating discussion that sparked a lively debate on how our panel have shaped award-winning places and buildings across London, examining scheme viability, the need for community engagement and dynamics dominating the real estate investment market. The panel also dived into what they wanted to see from the new Labour government's long-awaited planning policy changes in the United Kingdom. We hope you find it as insightful as we have!
On our latest episode, Director Catherine Rose and Account Director Siddo Dwyer hosted a live recording of our Better Places Podcast at Labour Party Conference in Liverpool. The panel explored the ways in which English devolution can be delivered in support of the new Labour government's mission to build 1.5million new homes, how to deliver the required infrastructure to support this and how to bring local communities along through effective engagement. The panel included: John Denham – Director of English Labour Network Cllr Vince Maple – Leader, Medway Council Cllr Anthony Okereke – Leader, Greenwich Council Brenda Dacres – Mayor of Lewisham Cllr Shama Tatler – Cabinet Member for Regeneration Planning & Growth, Brent Council Graeme Craig – Chief Exec of Places for London Kevin Henson – Partner at Gerald Eve
On our latest edition of the better places podcast, we have a Haringey special and are joined by the trio of Cllr Ruth Gordon –the Cabinet Member for Housebuilding, Placemaking and Development, David Joyce –the Corporate Director for Housing, Regeneration and Planning and Robbie Erbmann –the Assistant Director for Housing. In an insightful conversation with our Account Director Siddo Dwyer, a compelling discussion drew on the borough being open to investment, its placemaking schemes, council homes programmes, and Haringey being named the London Borough of Culture 2027. Concilio has considerable experience in Haringey, especially around Tottenham Hale, where working with Berkeley Square Developments we have helped to deliver: 315 BtR apartments at Ashley Gardens 108 social rent homes delivered for Haringey Council at Rosa Luxemburg Apartments 123 apartments at Station Square West, operated by Newlon 166 BtR apartments at The Gessne A Premier Inn hotel Alongside this we are currently working on a major residential development in Crouch End
Cllr Anthony Okereke the Leader of the Council of the Royal Borough of Greenwich joins us for the latest instalment of the Better Places podcast. Anthony provides great insight into the past decade of growth in the borough and the measures his local authority is taking in enhancing its town centres, creating new places, the Royal Borough's Cultural Hub, and renewing its estates to meet the increased demand for housing.
In our latest edition we are joined by Cllr Andrew Judge the Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development in the London Borough of Merton. In a detailed and wide-ranging discussion Andrew lays out the plans for regenerating Merton's high streets and town centres and touches on Merton's cash injection from the Mayor of London. Andrew also examines the significance of initiatives that has made Merton London's Borough of Sport and what the future holds in addressing general housing needs while encouraging investment as the borough expands its sport and leisure offer across the borough.
In this episode, we are joined by Cllr Omid Miri, Chair of Hammersmith & Fulham's Planning and Development Control Committee and aspiring London Assembly candidate for the London-wide list. Councillor Miri provides an insight into his experience as the Chair of Hammersmith & Fulham's Planning and Development Control Committee, the barriers to building more homes in the borough and the challenges facing development across the capital. Cllr Miri also discusses his pitch for the London Assembly London-wide list seat whilst looking ahead to the London and general elections taking place this year.
In this episode, Concilio's Nathan Parsad-Wyatt is joined by Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning & Economic Development in the City of Westminster, to discuss all aspects of planning and development in 2024. Councillor Barraclough provides a comprehensive update on policy, outlines the key priorities of the administration, and shares his insights on a significant year of elections ahead.
Cllr Shaun Davies, leader of Telford and Wrekin Council and Labour's parliamentary candidate for Telford joined the latest edition of the podcast. In a wide-ranging discussion Shaun provides an insight into the challenges facing local government across the UK, housing and infrastructure across the West Midlands, Labour's plans for planning and development, and how he plans to overturn a 10,000+ Conservative majority.
Cllr Anne Clarke AM, London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden and Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building joined the latest edition of the podcast. Anne discusses the role of the London Assembly, her experience as a councillor, how Labour historically won Barnet off the Conservatives in 2022 and a look ahead to the elections in 2024!
Concilio's Nick Dines (Managing Director) was delighted to be joined by Opportunity London's Chief Executive. Jace outlines the strengths and challenges of the capital, bringing investment to London, his new position and the role of Opportunity London in helping shape the London of the future.
In our first podcast of 2024 we are delighted to have been joined by two excellent guests from the London Borough of Newham. James Asser - Deputy Mayor of Newham, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainable Transport and Chair of Labour's ruling National Executive Committee & James Beckles - Chair of Newham's Local Development Committee, member of the LLDC Planning Committee and aspiring Labour candidate for the London Assembly list In a wide-ranging conversation the Newham duo discuss the borough's approach to development, the role of the London Assembly, the Sphere application and whether Labour's “back the builders not the blockers” approach will propel the party to electoral success in this crucial election year for London and the UK.
In our latest edition we were delighted to be joined by Cllr Helen Dennis, Southwark Council's Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development. In a wide-ranging discussion, we cover the council's newly announced Local List, the council's sustainability approach particularly in relation to retrofit first vs demolition, and the approach regarding biodiversity net-gain and much more.
Cllr James Small Edwards, Labour candidate for the London Assembly seat of West Central joined Concilio for the latest edition of our Better Places podcast. Elected in 2022 as Labour won Westminster City Council for the first time, in the key swing ward of Bayswater, James is currently serving as WCC Deputy Cabinet Member for Planning. James was selected by Labour Party members to contest the marginal GLA seat covering Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham and RBKC.
Concilio's Head of London Luke Francis is joined by the Brent's Cllr Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Growth. The pair review a hectic few months in property, planning and politics - discussing everything from the mounting challenges facing residential development across London and to local authorities look for in a good JV partner.
Concilio's Managing Director Nick Dines sits down with the Co-Chairs of the London Housing Directors'Group, Joanne Drew, Strategic Director for Housing and Regeneration at Enfield Council and Jamie Carswell, Director of Housing and Safer Communities at the Royal Borough of Greenwich
Labour Party Conference Special: Concilio's Luke Francis and Oscar Harman interview Westminster City Councillors Ellie Ormsby and James Small-Edwards about their experiences at Labour Party conference in Liverpool, their focus on housing and the first 18 months of Westminster's Labour administration.
Concilio's Head of London Luke Francis is joined by the Leader of Barking & Dagenham Council Darren Rodwell. In a wide ranging conversation, the pair discusses how political vision and pragmatism have helped to transform one of the UK's most deprived boroughs. Looking ahead to Labour Party Conference, Cllr Rodwell also discuss the reasons behind his decision to stand for Parliament and what he hopes to see from the next Labour Government.
In this episode, Concilio's Katie Brown is joined by Colin Brown, Head of Planning and Development at Carter Jonas (or as she personally calls him, Dad!) to discuss the ambitious plans set forth by the Secretary of State for Levelling up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove aimed at supercharging Cambridge as Europe's science capital. Is it an attainable vision, or does it remain a distant pipe dream, as some sceptics have argued?
In this episode, Nathan and Luke dive into a discussion on major political events. Our guests are two of the City of Westminster's most senior councillors: Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning & Economic Development, and Cllr Tim Roca, Cabinet Member for Young People, Culture, and Learning. Together, they reflect on their first year in office and share insights about what is coming next.
Nathan and Luke touch on the fall out from the May 23 local election results and how housing is becoming an election issue. Luke then interviews Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of Greenwich to discuss delivering homes in an increasingly challenging development environment, the importance of engaging residents and challenging NIMBYism and abseiling down 17 story buildings for charity!
Concilio's Katie Brown is joined by Claire Flowers, Head of Housing Development Agency at Cambridge City Council to discuss how the public and private sector can work together on housing delivery.
In this episode, Nathan and Luke are joined by Islington's Cllr Diarmaid Ward – Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Finance, Planning and Performance. They discuss - responding to post-Covid ways of living and working in inner London, why development policy ‘red lines' matter in Islington and Innovative approaches to delivering for local residents.
Concilio's Managing Director Nick Dines is joined by Simon Ricketts, Partner at Town Legal the leading planning law firm in the UK. The two discuss the Government's proposed planning reforms, planning law evolution, the establishment of Town Legal, fire safety regulations and Simon's top three desert island discs!
In the first podcast of 2023, Nathan and Luke focus on the politics of tackling the housing crisis. Featuring an in-depth interview with Dr Nick Bowes, Chief Executive of Centre for London, formerly Mayoral Director of Policy at the Greater London Authority.
Nathan & Luke discuss the latest national developments on planning reform. In the final episode of the 2022 they are joined by the first ever directly elected Mayor of Croydon - Mayor Jason Perry - to discuss Croydon's financial challenges, why he went into politics, what he would like to see from developers and the local plan.
Concilio's very own Cambs and South Cambs expert Katie Brown focuses on the growing Life Sciences sector - in conversation with two experts in the field - Guy Kaddish, Head of Cambridge Planning at Bidwells and Max Bryan Head of Science & Technology at Bidwells.
Nathan & Luke discuss the latest political developments, London parliamentary selections and are joined by Cllr Cem Kemahli - Lead Member for Planning, Place and Environment in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea to talk about planning and development in the Royal Borough.
As well as reviewing the big political stories of the week, Nathan and Luke are joined by Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning & Economic Development in the City of Westminster to talk all things planning and development and the priorities of the new administration.
In the first episode of the new series, Nathan and Luke take a look back at their experiences of the Labour and Conservative Party conferences and the key policy announcements that impact development and planning. They're joined by friend of the show and Brent Cabinet Member Cllr Shama Tatler to get her take on what it means for local government.
In the latest episode of Polls Apart, Nathan and Luke talk about the candidates vying to be the next Prime Minister and their views on housing. They are then joined for by Cllr Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader and Housing and Regeneration in Waltham Forest.
In the latest episode of Polls Apart, Nathan and Luke talk all things housing. Featuring an interview with the Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development - Tom Copley, who discusses how to tackle London's housing crisis, the impact of rising construction costs and the relationship between City Hall and London councils.
In the latest episode, Nathan and Luke talk about the challenges facing local government leaders across London one month on from the elections. They are joined by Cllr Mete Coban, Cabinet Member for the Environment & Transport in Hackney.
Luke and Nathan are joined by Concilio's Managing Director Nick Dines who interviews journalist and author Dave Hill on his fascinating new book - Olympic Park: When Britain Built Something Big. Buy the book: https://www.onlondon.co.uk/shop/olympic-park-when-britain-built-something-big/
In Part 2 Luke and Nathan review the final London Election results following a weekend of counting that saw some surprising, interesting and transformational results across the capital.
Luke and Nathan review and summarise the London Election results to date and discuss that seismic Labour hat-trick of taking control of Barnet, Wandsworth and the City of Westminster.
In this episode of Polls Apart, Nathan and Luke talk about what the polls look like in London with one week to go before election day and talk all things Camden. The pair are joined by Cllr Danny Beales, Cabinet Member for Investing in Communities, Culture and an Inclusive Economy in Camden for an extended interview.
In this episode of Polls Apart, Nathan is joined by Luke Tatton an Account Director at Concilio who is an expert in the City of London. Following the local elections in the City of London Luke interviews Deputy Chairman of Policy and Resources Committee - Chris Hayward.
In this episode of Polls Apart, Nathan and Luke discuss the role of the GLA in the planning process. Featuring an extended discussion with Lewisham Labour Councillor and Londonwide Assembly Member Sakina Sheikh.
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