A problem for the built environment in the UK is that both the masterplanners and thought leaders are architects. I don’t think it is possible to stop architects being thought leaders and my world would be a duller place without them. But who is taking the lead from their thoughts? The idea that a Chief Architect to centralise that which must be local is extraordinary. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘Economic’
The Farrell Review: Chief Architect or Chief Surveyor
Thursday, April 3rd, 2014The Evolution of Value is the Evolution of Catchment
Friday, February 28th, 2014The extent of any property occupiers’ use of infrastructure is determined by the catchment of that occupier.
The catchment of an internet business such as Amazon, is in theory infinite, although each building’s actual catchment and therefore infrastructure use will be defined by the business operation. The catchment can be usefully compared with that of an out of town shopping centre, or an Argos “click and collect” store. All three being greater than that of a ‘bricks only’ high street shop. Catchment is relevant to any customer, resident, or business and will determine the value to any occupier of their building occupation. (more…)
Asset Management “Best Use” of Government not Development Management
Friday, February 28th, 2014Successful businesses like Amazon exploit opportunity, which means they deliver outputs that are valued. The role of government is to provide the framework for that success. To enable that with land use and property, government needs to provide a framework that is fit for purpose. This stewardship needs to reflect the long term impact, funding requirement and interrelationship of the many aspects of the built environment. Topically, particularly true if it is also to capture the appropriate tax rate. (more…)
Mark Prisk – Fifty-year-old rating system is showing its age
Friday, January 24th, 2014Original article can be found on the Property Week website here
Being a fixed overhead, business rates don’t reflect the changing fortunes of a company. So when there’s a downturn, the rates bill bites even harder.
However, for government — central and local — this makes business rates attractive. While other tax revenues rise and fall with the economy, business rates provide the public sector with a steady flow of revenue — currently £26bn. So all governments are very wary of tinkering with the system. (more…)
Foreword to Locational Investment Report
Monday, May 28th, 2012Location, location, location; as relevant to governments and
their investment plans as it is to the most informed private
investment bodies
What should be built, when, where and why to ensure the responsible use of limited UK public resources? How can investment in the infrastructure necessary to enable sustainable settlement growth be targeted locationally?
Global economic realities must shape Government investment decisions by location. Assumptions based on the inertia of historic land use need to be understood for what they are. Radically different engines of growth, business linkages and economic outcomes will require location specific infrastructure investment if sustainable growth is to be secured in each region. (more…)