New research from British Land, Landsec, and The Berkeley Group reveals that brownfield urban regeneration in the UK can lead to significant economic growth and housing opportunities by 2035
The study focused on 16 dynamic urban areas with high development potential. The findings show that redeveloping brownfield sites in these areas could generate:
Over 1.14m jobs in office, industrial, and logistics sectors on urban brownfield land. Approximately £185bn in additional Gross Value is created by business activities on these sites. Regarding housing development, the report outlines:
- A potential for 518,000 new homes on existing and expected future brownfield land by 2035 in a business-as-usual scenario.
- Over 1 million new homes with higher urban densities.
- Over 1.3m new homes if housing densities align with government housing targets.
Tackling the housing crisis
While brownfield development can help address the housing crisis, it’s crucial for local authorities and developers, in consultation with communities, to determine appropriate land use and densities for each location.
The research argues that the UK’s current planning system hinders urban regeneration, housing delivery, and economic growth. In July this year, British Land and Landsec proposed new practical reforms in a joint paper titled ‘More growth, more jobs, more homes.’
These reforms relate to better resourcing of planning departments, piloting new approaches in progressive authorities, offering tax incentives for urban regeneration, and involving communities more in the development process.
Brownfield urban regeneration can boost sustainability
Regenerating brownfield land is seen as the sustainable solution for addressing the housing crisis, fostering growth, and reducing inequalities. Today’s announcement highlights the significant opportunity ahead.
“Both of the main political parties have been clear on their priorities for growth but with the current economic situation, neither party has the capital to invest in that growth,” said Mark Allan, CEO at Landsec.
“This research clearly demonstrates the opportunity available through brownfield urban regeneration, an opportunity that we believe can be easily unlocked through simple changes to the planning regime ahead of wider reform,” he continued.
“Britain has a housing crisis and a productivity crisis, and solving both problems is key to returning our country to sustainable, long-term growth,” added Simon Carter, CEO at British Land.
“Unlocking urban regeneration through a series of easily deliverable measures would pay huge dividends for the nation. The research we have published today reveals the scale of this opportunity to deliver growth with community support in cities and major urban areas right across the UK,” he concluded.
