Levelling Up: Spaces and Places Where People Want to Live

Written By Guest User

Following the Prime Minister’s speech on the “levelling up” agenda (15 July 2021), there has been heavy criticism that the plans lack substance and coherence. The Conservative MP Laura Farris is quoted as saying that “levelling up… means whatever anyone wants it to mean”. Our director, Oli Lowrie outlines how Ackroyd Lowrie has been interpreting this long held election pledge… 

“For us, levelling up is not just a buzz word or soundbite, it’s about reactivating urban areas, particularly high streets and town centres, by providing places and spaces for people to live, work and socialise. Much of the conversation has focused on the North and Midlands, and rightly so, but this type of regeneration is needed nationwide. We must find ways of bringing people back into town centres and this starts with high quality housing. 

“At the moment we’re working on five schemes across the Midlands, which collectively will regenerate vacant or disused brownfield sites into over 260 new homes. Each of these are high density and aimed at the young professional market; people who want to live in well-designed homes that are nearby amenities, transport connections, employment opportunities and entertainment. Without bringing people back into town centres, high streets just won’t work. So how else do we make these environments attractive and healthy places?  

Bell Place, Wolverhampton

“Private amenity space is essential, alongside access to the outdoors, parks and nature. We also think sustainably, not just in terms of the designs of the homes – all of those I mentioned above have either photovoltaic panels, MVHR and air source heat pumps– but also travelling and moving around. Town centres must be navigable by foot, bike and public transport.

King Charles Avenue, Walsall

“There’s no one size fits all approach, and we also must be mindful of a town’s individual heritage and identity but by working together with developers who recognise and champion this approach, we’re able to give our high streets and town centres a new lease of life.” 

A white paper with further policy detail on levelling up is expected in September. 

Victoria Gate Mansfield

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