WSP and London First reviewed significant London developments and identified critical success factors which accelerated progress
According to a new report, adequate funding, collaborative relationships with relevant boroughs and transport infrastructure are three of seven factors which create successful London developments.
These factors should be considered in West London to accelerate the delivery of proposed homes, employment and social infrastructure, says WSP.
In the report, WSP and London First identify several success stories among London’s Opportunity Areas where delivery has been achieved and detail the key factors which enabled progress.
Three major case studies were analysed as part of the report to identify successful London developments:
- White City Opportunity Area: The £8bn White City regeneration comprised 110ha spread across three sub-areas: White City East, Shepherd’s Bush Town Centre and White City West.
- King’s Cross Central: A vibrant new city quarter, King’s Cross Central is close to completion and will contain 50 new and refurbished buildings set in a network of new streets, squares and public space.
- Wembley Park: To date, 2,000 homes have been competed at Wembley Park, with 3,000 more under construction and outline consent for a total of 8,000.
Seven themes that led to successful delivery of these developments:
- Transport – The sites had existing infrastructure to provide good transport connectivity, with further upgrades in the pipeline.
- Land – Land ownership and title issues were resolvable.
- Funding – Cash flow could be managed to fund future development by sequencing revenue opportunities.
- Patient capital – Investor shared the developers’ long-term vision, supportive of building at pace.
- Collaborative relationship with borough – Working with local leaders to build a place that enhances opportunity for local people and fits with local economic development plans.
- Cultural assets – Creating value through a strong brand or local architectural and cultural heritage.
- Infrastructure – The ability to invest in waste, digital and energy infrastructure.
The report on London developments shows that West London has significant opportunities to deliver projects which will provide communities with connected and sustainable places.
West London is also well-positioned to take advantage of significant projects like the Elizabeth Line and HS2, and the West London Orbital.
The report’s authors highlight the importance of the West London Orbital as a key scheme, with the proposed rail service aiming to enhance public transport connectivity, facilitating 29,000 additional homes and 23,000 jobs.
Ian Liddell, managing director at WSP, said: “West London’s potential to deliver thriving, connected and sustainable places for communities across the boroughs of the WLA is clear, but challenges exist in accelerating the delivery of such developments.
“There is an ambitious pipeline of projects which will support West London’s future growth, and our identified success factors could support the delivery of significant developments which will provide housing, jobs and social infrastructure, including the potentially transformative West London Orbital.”
Jasmine Whitbread, chief executive at London First, added: “This report shows how business and local authorities can work together to unlock delivery of much-needed housing in the capital.
“Good transport connectivity is critical to success and the West London Orbital is a fantastic example of a truly transformative regeneration scheme.
Andrew Dakers, chief executive at West London Business, said: “West London is one of the most successful and best-connected economies on the planet.
“The report highlights the huge potential in the years ahead with tens of thousands of homes and jobs in the pipeline across the sub-regions opportunity areas – and significantly enhanced connectivity on the way through Crossrail, HS2 and the West London Orbital.”
