At UKREiiF with team Innesco - amazing turnout, pavilion space bursting at the seams and a terrific buzz in the city of Leeds. Enjoyed two sessions today with Connected Places Catapult and The Instant Group:
🌟 Paul Westwood, Studio Director at RIOS, emphasises breaking down physical and mental barriers in new buildings, focusing on creating inviting, connected spaces, especially when it comes to ground floor activation - don't reach for generic F&B. An office building should no longer 'just' be an office building.
🌍 Eve Roodhouse, Chief Officer for Culture and Economy at Leeds City Council, discussed addressing poverty to boost productivity.
🏙️ Daniel Corradi Stevens, Advocacy and Communications Manager at Knowledge Quarter, highlights the need to open up cultural and knowledge centres to inspire youth and remove barriers in deprived areas, especially those historical centres that have (quite literally!) their back to communities.
📊 Shravan Joshi MBE, Chairman of Planning and Transportation for City of London Corporation, talks about the growing demand for high-quality, flexible office space. City of London buildings should no longer be viewed as glass and steel fortresses, they need to be multi-use and welcome diverse groups of people, not just those who work there.
🏢 Tom Almas, Chief Executive of Wizu Workspace, advocates for creating workplaces that attract rather than mandate attendance, focusing on productivity, mental health, and the shift to "space as a service." Workplace providers should be there as a strategic partner, office space is no longer a product.
💼 Charlie Foster, Head of Real Estate Investment Banking at Cantor Fitzgerald Europe, explores the potential for alternative value drivers and more flexible and dynamic rent strategies to enhance investment viability.
#UKREiiF #UrbanDevelopment #WorkplaceInnovation #CommunitySpaces #FlexibleWorkspaces #RealEstateInvestment #UKInvestment
Retired (mostly) Transportation Executive
2moI had the pleasure in participating in a Transoft Advisory Board meeting in the Vancouver office this week. Very thoughtful discussion on the continued growth and success of Transoft and plans for the future. The new office space is wonderful with fantastic views of downtown Vancouver and is highlighted by this captivating mural. Congratulations to Milton Carrasco, Daniel Shihundu and all involved in creating this new space.