Lowick

Over half the global population voted in elections in 2024. On every (inhabited) continent, a number of general elections took place. The key takeaway? 2024 was an extremely difficult year for incumbents across the globe, and traditional political parties struggled at the expense of minor parties and independent candidates who increased their vote share. Few nations saw political power swing to the left, with the UK, Mexico, South Korea and Iceland standing with few other friends on the left and centre left. The right, and right to far-right populism saw large gains across the planet. The message of frustration was certainly sent worldwide, although the extent to which it has been received is yet to be deciphered. Take a read of our download on just some of the important elections that took place in 2024 ⬇️ #Elections #Vote #GeneralElection #GE2024

This week, the Lowick team (Stephen Goodall and Rob Thirlwell) have participated in public exhibitions in support of Riverside and Mount Anvil' proposals for the regeneration of the Tiller Road estate on the Isle of Dogs. The emerging proposals seek to deliver: 🏗️ 411 new safe, warm, high-quality homes (40% affordable overall) 🏡 A high proportion of family homes, to help alleviate the borough's significant overcrowding problem 🛝 New playground and children's play space 👨👩👦👦 Community space and a dedicated programme of events Lowick is advising on several high-profile schemes in LB Tower Hamlets. If you have a site and want to discuss the community and politics of the borough, please contact builtenvironment@lowickgroup.com #communityengagement #estateregeneration #socialvalue #towerhamlets

Lowick is pleased to be supporting The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and their development partner team BOUYGUES UK and Equitix on proposals for the redevelopment of LSE's Bankside House student residence. Last week, the Lowick team, led by Stephen Goodall and Lewis Warner facilitated two public exhibitions to promote the emerging scheme and seek feedback from local residents, groups and existing students. The proposals are underpinned by LSE's strategy of ensuring every first-year student is guaranteed accommodation by 2030. The scheme proposes circa 2,000 student beds (all below market-rates with 35% affordable), alongside active ground floor uses and improvements to the surrounding public realm. It has been great to partner once again with Montagu Evans, Carmody Groarke and Publica. Southwark is our home and one of our most active boroughs. If you would like to know more about the community and political landscape of Southwark, please get in touch - builtenvironment@lowickgroup.com #communityengagement #southwark #builtenvironment

Yesterday saw the launch of the London AI Campus attended by Kevin McKeever and Rob Thirlwell. The Campus, based in Somers Town, Camden, provides opportunities for Camden's school students to begin their learning journey in the world of Tech and AI. The Campus, which has been established by Camden Learning in partnership with Google UK saw Prime Minister Keir Starmer attend the launch to speak to the new cohort of students and address guests. The guests were also addressed by Vice President and Managing Director of Google UK & Ireland, Debbie W., and Leader of Camden Council, Cllr Richard Olszewski. Lowick are delighted to have supported Google UK in this over the last 12 months and look forward to continuing to work with Google in 2025 as the London AI Campus continues to develop. Congratulations to Zoe Stern and Amy Brown for such an amazing event. It was great to see all their hard work come to fruition!

💥 Bravo to Camden Learning and Camden Council - and hooray for Google's wonderful Amy Brown for the brilliant idea and tenacity to see this through. 💥 And a big thank you to our Campus Advisory Board for all the great counsel as we seek to build insights from this exciting educational pilot and work with others across the UK who share our desire to ensure the opportunity of AI is felt by all. It feels like it's just the start of something very special! Henri Murison Phoebe Garfinkel Oli de Botton Marsha Quallo-Wright Nigel Morris Rose Luckin Raj Kaur Khaira Joe Marshall Emily Nott Andrew Pakes Daniel Glaser Katie O'Donovan PS if you're feeling inspired by this "seismic moment" (Keir Starmer's words, although I entirely agree), please get in touch! We are looking for those working in AI to join our content programme, become a mentor, or provide workplace-based opportunities.

The Lowick Team were excited to assist in launching Bloom - Urban Warehouses' consultation for 118-120 Garratt Lane recently, with Dan Bewley and Lewis Warner joining the project team to oversee the event that saw attendance from nearby residents and neighbouring workers.   🧱 Bloom’s plans for 118-120 Garratt Lane will see a tired, industrial building converted to ultra urban warehouse and industrial space that will be more sustainable, create new jobs, and provide the much-needed warehouse space that Wandsworth needs.   A big thank you to the other members of project team CBRE, Motion Consultants, Michael Sparks Associates for joining us last night.   From Bankside to Barnet, London to Cambridge, reach out to hear more about how Lowick can help you. #Consultation #Engagement #Wandsworth

At the LGiU 2024 councillor awards last night, the Lowick team supported the recognition of the work of local councillors of all political parties. 🗳 Local government has been described as the most favourable branch of government, but also the least understood. It’s no secret that Lowick is tapped into every tier of government, but our work would be impossible without local councillors. From community champion of the year, young councillor of the year, lifetime legend and, of course, leader of the year, congratulations to all of this years’ winners. #LocalGovernment #Councillor #CllrAwards2024

Joanna Christophides, Stephen Goodall and Dan Bewley were flying the Lowick flag at yesterday's Westminster Property Association Annual Lunch, catching up with clients and fellow consultants from the development industry. Marcus Geddes (WPA Chair) kicked off proceedings, highlighting the importance of Westminster and the CAZ to London's and the UK's economic output. The packed room also heard a fascinating speech from renowned BBC journalist, Clive Myrie, who shared his insights and learnings from the recent US presidential election, as well as hearing about his dramatic trips to Ukraine and North Korea. Thanks to our guests, including Oliver Campbell (Bouygues UK), Adam Leach (Mount Anvil), Tom Richardson MRICS (Shaftesbury Capital), Kate Macmillan (KMDC), Laura Jenkinson (Avison Young) and Holly Farrow (DP9). London Property Alliance (CPA & WPA) #WPAlunch #builtenvironment #Londonrealestate #Westminster

With all eyes on Tower Hamlets after a blistering report from the Inspector and impending central government intervention, the council's strategic development committee met yesterday. True to form the council deferred another application, this time proposals for a large-scale, purpose-built student accommodation scheme at Wood Wharf. To the frustration of the developer, Aspire councillors wanted to undertake a site visit to better assess the impacts of the development (despite being offered a site visit by officers and receiving no take up). This incensed Labour members, who were keen to determine the application on the night and stem the backlog of applications. Aspire's weakening grip of the committee was put to the test for the first time, with the chair using his casting vote to approve the deferral, with Kabir Hussain, now sitting as an independent after resigning from Aspire in September, siding with Labour. Meanwhile, the Whitechapel Road life sciences application was unanimously approved after minimal debate. This was surprising as Aspire councillors had been adamant that their amended planning obligations as tabled and approved at the previous SDC meeting were the correct approach. These controversial amendments, including removing the on-site affordable workspace, in favour of a payment in lieu to spend on council priorities were dropped after dialogue with the applicant and legal review. Other applications, included the repurposing of floors 48 - 49 of the landmark One Canada Square building from office space to educational use for UCL (unanimously approved). Finally, the committee voted to approve modifications to a previous s106 agreement for the former Poplar Bus depot site. After permission had been granted in 2020, construction had stalled as a consequence of the registered provider withdrawing from the project, compounded by the challenging macroeconomic environment. Officers expressed sympathy with councillors, who had raised concerns about the deficit, deliverability and the drop in affordable housing. Given the economic headwinds, we could see further variations to s106 agreements come to committees in the near future. Lowick is the pre-eminent built environment communications consultancy in Tower Hamlets, advising on high-profile schemes in Spitalfields in the west, to London City Island in the east. If you have a site in the borough and want to talk through the ever changing political and community dynamics, please get in touch with me - stephen.goodall@lowickgroup.com #towerhamlets #localgovernment #politics #builtenvironment

We are delighted that our client, Notting Hill Genesis, received planning approval for the Rotherhithe Reach scheme at last night’s meeting of Southwark’s Major Applications Committee. 🌇 The project will deliver 151 new, high-quality homes, with 24 family sized houses and 127 apartments, 42% of which will be allocated for affordable housing. Located on the site of the former Rotherhithe gasworks, the scheme will bring this former industrial site back to life, promoting sustainable transport options and improving the areas biodiversity. 👥 The Lowick team of Joanna Christophides, Charlie Gilmartin, Rob Thirlwell and Ruaraidh Swainson have been supporting Notting Hill Genesis, advising on political engagement and stakeholder management, and organising four consultation events across two rounds of public consultation. 👊 A pleasure too, to work with Maccreanor Lavington, DP9 Limited, CampbellReith, KMHeritage, Velocity and HTA Design LLP on the project. Southwark is Lowick’s home and a borough that we know extremely well. It’s home to several exciting development opportunities for the future, so get in touch at builtenvironment@lowickgroup.com or contact a member of the team to see how we could help you.  #southwark #planning #community #communityengagement #politics