Join a diverse network of high street owners, managers, tenants, and users with a shared passion for property development, activation, and community building.
Our network of contributors
Virginia Blackman
Avison Young
Regeneration and development professional with a specialism in public private partnership and the role of site assembly in delivering projects. London champion. Interested in the evolving role of town centres, high streets, and shopping centres. Principle at Avison Young. #PXfeature
Harry Steele
BusinessLDN
Harry helps lead BusinessLDN’s work on planning and development, working with their broad range of members to help ensure the business community’s voice is heard in the planning policy debate. #PXfeature
Jonathan Hagos
Freehaus
Jonathan is a co-director of Freehaus, an award-winning RIBA chartered practice dedicated to putting people at the core of their outputs and to designing spaces that are accessible to all. #PXcasestudy
Pippa Gueterbock
London Borough of Haringey
Pippa is Head of Regeneration for Wood Green, offering expertise and considerable breadth of experience in the field of locally distinctive, design-led urban renewal, and playing a leading role in successfully delivering major urban design programmes in London. #PXcasestudy
Gurpaje Singh
London Borough of Hackney
Gurpaje is a Strategic Asset Manager with circa 15 years experience within Local Government, which has given him the opportunity to lead and be involved with a multitude of professional and managerial
activities. #PXevent
Saff Williams
Brookfield Properties
Saff Williams is the Curatorial Director at Brookfield Properties Europe Real Estate Group. With experience as an external curator, she now leads marketing efforts, driving arts and events strategy, and placemaking activities, in London and Berlin. Saff holds an MA in Art Curatorship and a BA degree in History and Art History and Theory from The University of Sydney. #PXevent
Ailish Christian-West
Get Living
Ailish is the Chief Operations Officer for Get Living, overseeing their £2 billion+ build-to-rent portfolio and development pipeline of 6,000 homes, driving investment performance to reach a target of 12,500+ homes. She leads ESG efforts and collaborates on industry issues. Previously, she held executive roles at Landsec and managed funds, including at La Salle Investment Management. #PXevent
David Kirkland
D-Lab Studios (CIC) & Kirkland Fraser Moor Architects
David is an Architect, designer, and social entrepreneur. He is the founder of Kirkland Fraser Moor Architects and D-Lab, an award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise, working within communities to encourage creativity and innovation for the benefit of people, places and our planet. #PXevent
James Manning
Grosvenor
James is interim Social Impact Lead at Grosvenor. He is responsible for delivering Grosvenor’s social impact strategy, People Positive, across the UK property business and helping embed it within the organisation’s activities, decision making and culture.#PXevent
Anna Devlet
British Land
Anna is a pioneering leader in her sector, championing social impact for over 20 years whilst creating value add for the business. She is responsible for designing and leading British Land’s Social Impact strategy launched in 2020. #PXevent
Melinda Knatchbull
Sellar
Melinda is the CFO of Sellar Group, responsible for financial and risk aspects. Previously, her role was Global Chief Operating Officer for Schroder Real Estate and Invista. Melinda is fellow of ICAEW and holds an MA in Economics from Cambridge University. #PXevent
Paul Augarde
Augarde & Partners
Paul is a director at placemaking consultancy Augarde & Partners, with 15 years’ experience in regeneration. He co-founded Placemaking Collective UK, supported the Mayor’s Fashion District and Creative Land Trust, and is Deputy Chair of NPO arts charity ACAVA. #PXevent
Gabby Peerman
Schroders
Gabby is Assistant Portfolio Manager for Schroders Capital Real Estate Impact Fund, which focuses on tackling social inequality and climate change across the UK through place-based impact investing, whilst delivering an appropriate financial return. #PXevent
James Scroggs
New Working Class
A man of many hats as an entrepreneur, coach, counsel and consult, James is the co-founder of employability engine, New Working Class, and chair of suicide charity, Campaign against living miserably. #PXevent
Shaylesh Patel
ASTOP Limited & Temporary Use Aid
Shaylesh advises the charity sector, commercial landlords, and CSR budget holders on empty property and related financial matters. Shaylesh also founded and volunteers for Temporary Use Aid, a charity that helps community groups to make the most use of vacant rent-free space safely. #PXQA
Liz Robinson
Palmers Green Action Team
Liz is a Senior Executive Producer in advertising, having worked in production for 19 years. Liz has lived in Palmers Green for 8 years and is married with two young sons. #PXcasestudy
Däna Burstow
Palmers Green Action Team
Dana is a long-time resident of Palmers Green, 30 years working as a pension solicitor and now interested in tackling the biodiversity crisis to make sure the pensions she worked on are worth having. #PXcasestudy
Sandra Perez
Inner Circle Consulting
Sandra Perez is a Managing Consultant at Inner Circle Consulting, where she has a leading role in the Prosperous Places team. Sandra’s background is in architecture and placemaking. She has more than ten years of experience delivering inclusive, prosperous places alongside local governments across the UK. #PXQA
Jay Ahluwalia
Dominus Group
As Principle Director of Dominus Group, Jay leads on corporate partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and brand strategy, including building and maintaining relationships with communities, councils, suppliers, and partners. #PXcasestudy
Matthew Plowright
Migration Museum
Matthew is Director of Communications and Engagement at the Migration Museum. Prior to joining in 2016, he worked as a journalist and editor for a range of publications including the Financial Times, Euromoney and MSN. #PXcasestudy
Tom Price
Sook
Tom studied Quantity Surveying and Commercial Construction Management, before starting his career with Morgan Sindall and then Canary Wharf Contractors, where he worked on the commercial management of the Wood Wharf development. Today, Tom is Head of Site Acquisition at Sook. #PXcasestudy
Tola Alade
Marmalade Collective
Founder & CEO of Marmalade Collective, Tola Alade is a visionary entrepreneur and accomplished creative leader whose motivation stems from people, cultural identity, and the power of impactful creative ideas. Tola’s mission is to build a new mainstream shaped by Africa’s culture, stories, and emerging brands. #PXcasestudy
Anna Fearon
Photographer, Director and Writer
Anna is a previous artist in residence with Hypha studios. During her residency, she presented her solo exhibition Colour + Movement. She is currently developing her first feature film, alongside facilitating film workshops for young people, and community focused projects. #PXconversation
Camilla Cole
Hypha Studios
Camilla is an experienced art curator dedicated to championing emerging artistic talent. As founder of charity Hypha Studios, she has provided opportunity for artists to curate exhibitions in non-gallery contexts, offering quality control of both the art and space. #PXconversation
Nicola Blake
London and Associated Properties PLC
Nicola is Company Director of several private property companies, using innovative arts-based projects to enliven spaces. Outside of work, she is a Trustee of the Contemporary Art Society and patron of several arts charities. #PXconversation
Eliza Bonham Carter
Royal Academy Schools
Curator & Head of the Royal Academy Schools since 2006, Eliza Bonham Carter has contributed to the fine art programmes of numerous Art Departments across the UK in the capacity of visiting artist, external examiner, and programme moderator. #PXconversation
Greg Früchtenicht
Saira Hospitality
Greg is responsible for operations and growth at Saira Hospitality. His work draws upon experience in the travel, hospitality and third sectors to support the development of new career pathways for previously overlooked individuals. #PXforum
Bex Trevalyan
Platform Places
Bex co-founded Platform Places after 8 years spent activating buildings for local benefit, including growing her own community-led enterprise Library of Things to 11 high street hubs. #PXfeature
Stephanie Edwards
Urban Symbiotics
Stephanie Edwards is a user-focussed architect and urban designer and cofounder of Urban Symbiotics. She develops strategic masterplans, community place visions and meanwhile activation programmes amongst others. She is working on numerous co-created high street and regeneration strategies in London, the UK and globally with UN Habitat’s Global Future Cities Programme. #PXevent
Ffion Hayward
Nourish Hub
Ffion is a Registered Public Health Nutritionist and has worked across private and public sectors. Her passion and motivations are to support people to improve their health & wellbeing as well as access services which have enable them to do so. #PXforum
Jonathan Pile
The Oval Partnership
Jonathan is Director of Oval Partnership’s London office, responsible for shaping the design direction of numerous projects in the UK and internationally, covering master planning, community-led design, urban design and architecture. #PXforum
Olumide Odetunde
The Oval Partnership
Olumide is an accomplished data scientist with experience of advanced data analysis and machine learning across multiple professional sectors, responsible for leading the re:PLACE project at the Oval Partnership. #PXforum
Martin Wedderburn
Wedderburn Transport Planning
Martin is Director at Wedderburn Transport Planning. He has more than 15 years of experience in transport planning with a focus on sustainable and active mobility. He is developing new pedestrian movement analysis tools for complex urban environments. #PXforum
Dr Zoe Marshall-Jones
Loughborough University
Zoe’s role in knowledge transfer partnership development at Loughborough University involves the delivery of commercially impactful partnerships between industrial and academic partners across the University. #PXforum
Rachael Aldridge
Cross River Partnership
Rachael is a communications professional with a background in sustainability and interest in urban regeneration. She delivers Cross River Partnership (CRP)’s communications strategy and has led on the Town Centre Futures project at CRP. #PXevent
Amanprit Arnold
Greater London Authority
Amanprit is an experienced international urban strategist and real estate insight/research professional. She has delivered urban advisory services and participated in city-building practices in both the non-profit and public sector, where she has worked on realising a wide range of projects and scales, from city-wide research projects to energy infrastructure planning and delivery policy innovation. #PXevent
Gianluca Rizzo
Brixton BID
Gianluca Rizzo is a Place Management Specialist with over 10 years’ experience in the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) industry. He is a Fellow at the Institute of Place Management (IPM) as well as at the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA). Gianluca leads the Brixton BID which is the local Business Improvement District as well as Stratford Original BID in East London. Gianluca is passionate about places and firmly believes that ‘people make places’. #PXevent
Mounira Igheldane
Nourish Hub
Mounira is a Hammersmith & Fulham local resident and Mum with a background in business administration. Mounira got involved with Nourish Hub more than a year ago, where she greatly values the generosity, togetherness, and resilience of the community and their shared mission. #PXforum
Clare Dawburn
Nourish Hub
Having worked in finance for 30 years, Clare was able to rekindle her love of cooking by volunteering at City Harvest and later Nourish Hub. Through the experiences that Clare has been able to gain from City Harvest and Nourish Hub, she has also taken on a new position with a small catering company. #PXforum
Dieter Kleiner
RCKa
Dieter is a founding director of RCKa and leads the asset regeneration and community projects. He is an expert in community engagement, and sits on a number of design review panels including the London Boroughs of Haringey and Kingston. Dieter is also a CABE Built Environment Expert. #PXforum
Anthony Staples
RCKa
Anthony is an architect and associate at RCKa with over 15 years of professional experience working across the public and private sectors. He has particular expertise in community engagement and participatory design; and is motivated by a desire to empower and enable diverse communities to achieve a meaningful stake in shaping their building environment. #PXforum
Yvonne Thompson
UKHarvest
Yvonne Thomson is a highly experienced social, economic and physical regeneration specialist, qualified in community education and gaining a post graduate in Housing studies form Stirling University and Master of Philosophy in Urban Policy. She has worked tirelessly on behalf of those who are socially excluded and have no voice, opportunity or choice in life. She has worked in the public, voluntary and private sectors. Yvonne founded UKHarvest in mid 2016. #PXforum
Fiona Scott
Gort Scott
Fiona co-founded Gort Scott in 2007. She is known for her pioneering research involving high streets and town centres and the geography of London’s economy. Fiona is one of the Mayor’s Design Advocates. #PXforum
Gemma Smith
The Hub
Gemma is a wife, mother of two, artist and small business owner with a passion for sustainability. #PXconversation
Dr Richard Carmichael
Imperial College London
Richard works on societal and system change for decarbonisation. Interests include co-benefits, heating, diet, and data-led tools. His report, ‘Behaviour change, public engagement and Net Zero’, helped inform the Climate Change Committee’s Net Zero report. #PXconversation
John Taylor
Greater South East Net Zero Hub
John is an energy projects manager with 15 year’s experience advising local authorities and communities on renewable energy and climate change action, across East Anglia and South East England. #PXconversation
Clare Searle
Greener & Cleaner
Clare is a strategist and service designer by background and a passionate social justice advocate by trade. She helps businesses and charities like Greener and Cleaner see their purpose and deliver real world impact whilst delivering excellent performance. #PXconversation
Matt Griffiths-Rimmer
Hadley Property Group
Matt leads on Hadley’s consultation and engagement strategies, as well as on meanwhile uses and partnership programmes. In the last two years this has resulted in planning permission for more than 1500 homes across three schemes, two of them with cross-party unanimous support at committee. During lockdown, Matt developed and delivered the Have Your Say digital consultation platform. #PXevent
Lisa Jones
Hadley Property Group
Lisa brings her breadth of experience Hadley to inform meanwhile and social value projects. Enabling placemaking through creative engagement, communications and event curation. She is passionate about the emergence of a regenerative approach, having recently studied Nordic Placemaking with Place Leadership Academy and The Power of Place at The Really Regenerative Centre. #PXevent
Hazel Durrant
UD Music Foundation
Hazel has a 20-year track record of developing multi-disciplinary art-led social change projects, both revenue and capital. Such work has worked to benefit underrepresented communities facing multiple barriers to making positive changes to their lives. #PXevent
Frederik Weissenborn
The Design Council
Frederik is a Design Council Programme Lead who specialises in placemaking, economic regeneration, and social innovation. Frederik works with public and private sector clients – as well as communities – to envision and deliver better places. #PXevent
Laura Parker
V&A East
Laura is Deputy Director at V&A East, supporting Director Gus Casely-Hayford in delivering V&A East Museum and V&A East Storehouse, two sister sites at East Bank – the Mayor of London’s £1.1 billion Olympic legacy project, which will create a new arts, innovation and education hub in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. #PXevent
Josephine Chanter
The Design Museum
Josephine Chanter has been inspiring audiences to connect with culture for over two decades. Beginning her career in public affairs, she was appointed Director of Audiences at the Design Museum in 2017. #PXevent
Gemma Dean
Creative Land Trust
Gemma is Head of Development at Creative Land Trust, a charity founded to secure long term affordable creative workspace. She focuses on property pipeline and impact investment, recognising the contribution of creative production to sustainable places. #PXevent
Claire Selby
Studio KT1 Kingston University
Claire leads Kingston University’s creative agency ‘Studio KT1′, which aims to increase student employability, encourage collaboration between disciplines, and develop new products and services. She has over 12 years’ experience running commercial projects, events, and training in the education sector. #PXcasestudy
Grace Richards
Union of Kingston Students
Grace Richards is Business Development Manager at the Union of Kingston Students, following a role in events and communications. She focuses on generating income to improve on and develop new student services, whilst enriching the lives and futures of Kingston students. #PXcasestudy
Levent Kerimol
Community Led Housing London
Levent is director of Community Led Housing London, supporting community groups from the early stages of their projects and working with boroughs and others to create opportunities for community ownership and development. #PXQA
Martine Corbett
Willmott Dixon
Martine is Willmott Dixon’s Training Programme and Social Value Manager. With a passion for supporting young people and marginalised communities, Martine leads Willmott Dixon’s delivery of Building Lives Academies, with locations in East Sussex and North Kensington. #PXconversation
Michael Blake
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Michael leads and manages RBKC’s social investment work: shaping the organisation’s social investment strategy, managing their social investment projects and leases, designing investment opportunities, and sharing learning. #PXconversation #PXevent
Darren de Souza
London Higher
As Policy & Projects Officer at London Higher, Darren leads on high-impact projects such as the London Higher Civic Map and the Global Majority Mentoring Programme. Darren provides the secretariat function for London Higher’s Networks. #PXforum
Molly Pritchard
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Molly joined Kensington and Chelsea Council in October 2020 as part of the National Graduate Development Programme. The Building Lives Academy in North Kensington was one of the first projects she led as a graduate. #PXconversation
Dr. Diana Beech
London Higher
As Chief Executive of London Higher, Diana is responsible for leading the organisation’s aim of being a voice for London’s universities and higher education colleagues. Diana has previously worked in government as a policy advisor. #PXforum
Julian Gitsham
Hassell
Julian has delivered projects in higher education for over 30 years. His work focuses on developing clarity, building consensus, and creating certainty. Julian is passionate about creating great architectural and urban design outcomes. #PXforum
Stephen Tyler
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Steve Tyler is Kensington and Chelsea Council’s media and communications officer with responsibility for publicising the borough’s social investment work. He has previously worked internationally as a journalist and editor. #PXcasestudy
Emily Berwyn
Meanwhile Space
Emily is the founder Director of the pioneering social enterprise Meanwhile Space. She works together with local communities to design innovative solutions for challenging redundant spaces that result in better places to live and work. #PXconversation
Amy Edwards
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Amy Edwards is a member of the Social Investment team at Kensington and Chelsea Council. She joined the Council as part of the NGDP graduate scheme. #PXcasestudy
Andrea Carpenter
Diversity Talks Real Estate
Andrea Carpenter is a Director of Diversity Talks Real Estate, and a writer and communications consultant in the property industry. Andrea is also on the Property X-Change sounding board. PXQ&A
Vibushan Thirukumar
Oru Space
Vibushan Thirukumar, a first generation refugee from Sri Lanka, a failed actuary. A career of accounting for entertainment and coworking, prioritising value over figures. Underwhelmed by working environments and company culture. Passionate about hospitality. #PXconversation #PXevent
Matt Derry
Southwark Council
Matt is Southwark’s lead officer for Peckham and Camberwell town centres. He has delivered projects across London from housing estate renewal schemes to workspaces and cool things in disused car parks! #PXconversation
Chloe Kimsey
Oru Space
Chloe is a local resident and neighbour of Oru Space. Drawn to Oru Space for its community involvement, hospitality, wellness offerings and holistic approach – Chloe has transitioned from customer to becoming part of the team. #PXconversation
Sarah Castle
IF_DO
Sarah Castle is an architect and a co-founding director of the award-winning architecture practice IF_DO. Established in 2014, IF_DO is dedicated to creating projects with a positive impact on users, the environment and the surrounding community. #PXconversation
Camilla Siggaard Andersen
Hassell
Camilla is an urban researcher, strategist, and designer. Property X-Change Programme Manager, Hassell Urban Research, NLA Built Environment Technology Expert Panel Chair. Previously with Arup and Gehl.
Mark Darnell
UNFOLD Architecture + Design
Architect and Director of UNFOLD Architecture + Design. RIBA chartered and ARB registered with over 15 years of experience in commercial, retail and residential architecture. The practice was established in 2017. #PXconversation
Rumi Bose
Rumi Bose Ltd.
Rumi is a placeshaping practitioner with 14 years of experience in urban regeneration. Formerly Property X-Change lead, she was also Principal in the GLA’s Regeneration team, advising partners on programmes across north west London boroughs. #PXcasestudy #PXevent
Susie Hyden
Gort Scott
Susie is an Associate Director at Gort Scott. She has experience in market strategy and extensive in-depth community engagement with market stakeholders including Brixton and Walthamstow Markets. She is currently involved in Tomorrow’s Market a collaborative programme supported by the Mayor of London. #PXfeature #PXcasestudy #PXforum #PXforum
Adam Scott
Freestate
Adam is the creative force and founder of FreeState, the pioneering experience masterplanning agency. Based in London and Melbourne, and working globally, Adam advises some of the world’s most innovative brand builders and city makers. #PXevent
Gabriela Martino
London Borough of Haringey
Gabriela is a Regeneration Sites Manager at the London Borough of Haringey. Gabriela is currently working on the Council’s successful ‘Future High Streets Fund’ programme, to deliver workspace, Council rented homes and placemaking. #PXQ&A
Ramsay Yassa
NOOMA Studio
Ramsey Yassa is an architect and the founder of award-winning design practice, NOOMA Studio. Through practice Ramsey has a demonstrated expertise in high street and public realm design and regeneration. #PXevent
Marie Williams
Dream Networks CIC
Marie is a playful chartered engineer, play academic and design lecturer. In 2015, she founded Dream Networks, a social enterprise on a global mission to make play possible for all. #PXevent
Maria Roye
London Learning Consortium
Maria is the Traineeship and Employer Engagement Manager at LLC Training Provider, advising and supporting young people and older adults on their professional development. Maria is a qualified professional who oversees the Building Lives Construction Programme in Kensal Road W10. #PXconversation
Yasmin Jones-Henry
ING Media
Yasmin has built a reputation as a cultural and communications thought leader on the importance of culture, creative enterprise and regenerative design in delivering both economic and social value. #PXevent
David Barrie
onRedchurchCIC
David is a repeat social innovator and entrepreneur. He has co-founded new retail, tech investment and skills ventures and supported the revival of many cities, neighbourhoods and communities. #PXevent #PXcasestudy #PXforum
Jimmy Wheale
Nomadic Community Gardens
Jimmy believes we are the sum of our relationships, relationships need space and crucially activity, ideally meaningful activity that stimulates the dialogue needed to be able to build relationships which are so important to our health connectivity and support. #PXevent
Maher Anjum
Oitij-jo
Maher has been the main lead for the Oitij-jo project, with a vision to present creative excellence and achievement of Bengali traditions in the arts and crafts. Maher’s work has spread across UK’s public, private and international business sectors. #PXevent
Tom Atkinson
TfL Property
Tom leads TfL Property’s customer experience and insights programmes. TfL Property is a purpose driven property company. One of its principles is to place customers and communities at its heart. #PXevent
Adewole Ademolake
A’lake limited
Adewole Ademolake founded A’lake specialising in developing small residential schemes between 1-20 homes in London and the South East. His company also provide Development management services to clients. #PXevent #PXfeature #PXQA
Louise Duggan
GLA Regeneration
Louise has extensive experience in regeneration, economic development and public sector innovation. Working in partnership with boroughs, businesses, social enterprises, and communities, she helps deliver programmes that promote economic and civic growth. #PXevent
Parisa Wright
Greener and Cleaner
Working to make sustainable living accessible, inclusive and popular through local peer to peer support and behavioural science research. Ensuring the sense of local connection, information and skills needed, through tailored locations, language & activities. #PXevent #PXconversation
May Molteno
Trilogy Property
May has worked engaging communities in the places they live for 30 years. She’s passionate about how places can generate genuine value to society. Oh! And she’s run an outdoor school too! #PXevent
Yip Siu
GLA Regeneration
Yip is an urbanist and architectural designer, having completed his Masters in Architecture at the Bartlett, with a keen interest in social, collaborative, and participatory design. He is currently delivering Mayoral Funded regeneration projects in North-West London. #PXevent
Shazia Mustafa
Third Door & South Kilburn Trust
Director of Marketing and Services for South Kilburn Trust, also joint founder of world’s first coworking and childcare business ‘Third Door’. Steering board member of local Community Land Trust and member of Mayor’s Workspaces Advisory Board. #PXevent
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Latest content
Published by the RIBA, this book reflects on how we can revive high streets to become the 'diverse, characterful, independent places that existed before they were homogenised by big retail.'
On July 13, 2022, we facilitated our first live exchange in the shape of a 15-person panel discussion for the official launch of Property X-Change. 39 exchanges, 80+ active co-creators, hundreds of attendees and a growing network of engaged stakeholders later, we can reflect on all that the project has achieved in one year.
On September 6, 2023, Property X-Change attended the 'Future of shopping centres' retail event, hosted by Business LDN. Read for a detailed summary and some key insights!
Discover the inspiring journey of the Rising Green Youth Hub, a co-created space on Wood Green high street. This case study tells the story of how diverse demographics and professionals came together to create a safe space for young people on the high street.
In this brief Q&A, vacant property expert Shaylesh Patel talks us through business rates, shedding light on what they are, who uses them, and the silver linings they offer for both landlords and the local community.
With a network of more than one hundred local volunteers and an ambitious range of activities, Palmers Green Action Team has become one of London’s most inspiring examples of community-led high street regeneration. In this case study, we speak to Däna Burstow and Liz Robinson from the team's steering committee.