S4 Ep22: A Vision for Cambridge: In Conversation with Peter Freeman
How the Cambridge Growth Company is setting the stage for infrastructure-led, inclusive development.
Peter Freeman, Chairman of the Cambridge Growth Company and co-founder of Argent, joins Better Places to share a bold vision for Cambridge’s future. Drawing on his experience delivering major regeneration projects such as King’s Cross, Peter outlines how the newly established Growth Company will tackle the city’s most pressing infrastructure challenges.
With Cambridge facing mounting pressures on transport, water, and energy, the Growth Company’s “infrastructure-first” approach aims to unlock sustainable development at scale, combining new homes, jobs, schools, and public spaces in integrated masterplans. Backed by a new evidence base and expert team, the company will play a central role in attracting long-term private investment.
Peter also stresses that the city’s growth must be inclusive. Connecting all communities to Cambridge’s economic success, through better transport, targeted training, and access to opportunity, is key to creating a fairer future.
Tune in to hear how Peter plans to make Cambridge a global exemplar of placemaking by 2050, and what it means for the region, its people, and its future
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S4 Ep21: Haringey Goes for Growth with Cllr Peray Ahmet
Leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet, joins Concilio’s Account Director Siddo Dwyer for a conversation on housing, inclusive growth and estate regeneration.
In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Account Director Siddo Dwyer sits down with Cllr Peray Ahmet, Leader of Haringey Council.
Since becoming Leader in 2021, Peray has overseen a shift in the borough’s trajectory: restoring confidence in housing delivery, embedding a renewed focus on inclusive growth, and retelling the story of a borough with ambition.
The conversation explores:
What it means to lead a borough post-HDV
How estate regeneration can be done with - not to – communities
How Peray’s team is tackling long-standing questions about Wood Green and employment opportunity
Haringey’s future as London Borough of Culture in 2027
Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!
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S4 Ep20: Building Harlow's Future: In conversation with Cllr Dan Swords
Leader of Harlow Council, Cllr Dan Swords, joins Concilio’s Nick Dines and Salvatore Pagdades to discuss the bold and ambitious plans for Harlow’s future.
In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Managing Director Nick Dines and Account Executive Salvatore Pagdades sit down with Cllr Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council.
Key points discussed:
· Dan’s six ‘missions’ for the council
· Building Harlow’s Future plan - including bold town centre regeneration plans
· Harlow and Gilston Garden Town
· Harlow Growth Board and its new Chair
· Influence of Sir Frederick Gibberd’s New Town
As local government reform and a proposed Mayoral Combined Authority loom, Dan shares his views on how Harlow can lead - not be led - in shaping its next chapter.
Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!
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S4 Ep19: New Leadership, New Vision: Tom Sleigh on the Future of the City
Newly elected Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, Tom Sleigh, joins Concilio’s Associate Director Luke Tatton.
In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Associate Director Luke Tatton sits down with Tom Sleigh, newly elected Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee.
Key points discussed:
· Fresh leadership at a pivotal time for the Square Mile
· The Draft City Plan 2040 and its focus on retrofit, sustainability and growth
· Major cultural investment, including the Barbican Renewal
· Emerging priorities in AI, urban design and inclusive public realm
· The evolving ground-floor strategy and its role in attracting workers and visitors
· Balancing historic character with a dynamic, future-facing skyline
This episode offers insight into the new leadership and vision of Tom Sleigh as the City looks to its future.
Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!
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S4 Ep18: In Conversation with Robert Sloss, CEO of Hub Living
Nick Dines speaks to the CEO of Hub about BTR, co-living and unlocking stalled sites.
On this episode of the Better Places Podcast, Concilio’s Nick Dines is joined by Robert Sloss, CEO of Hub, for a deep dive into how Build to Rent has evolved in the UK and what it takes to drive true regeneration. From transforming Maidenhead town centre to unlocking complex sites in Romford and Croydon, Robert discusses the power of institutional capital, the challenges of viability, and the future of co-living.
A must-listen for developers, planners, and anyone shaping the future of our urban centres.
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