London Real Estate Forum: the power of partnerships

The London Real Estate Forum (LREF) is one of the largest gatherings of the regeneration, infrastructure, and investment sector in the capital.

Held this week at London’s Guildhall, LREF was an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing the city. It was also a chance to focus on the immense opportunities which could be unlocked with the right partnerships, infrastructure, and investment.

This year Muse was one of the LREF sponsors, helping shape the conversation under the conference theme – ‘partnership’.

Lisa Gledhill, Managing Director – National Partnerships, joined an expert panel to discuss how strong partnerships drive successful regeneration.

With Cllr Amanda De Ryk (LB Lewisham), Michael Keaveney (Grainger), and Philip Graham (Greater London Authority) the panel explored ‘the power of partnerships in delivering regeneration’.

Lisa Gledhill, Muse said:

Successful partnerships are underpinned by trust and transparency, but also recognise the strengths and weaknesses of the public and private sectors – and how we best work together to deliver.

Whilst the public sector offers unique insight, relationships, and local credibility, the private sector can leverage investment, scale, resources, and expertise. When we recognise these different roles, delivery is quicker and easier.

Cllr Amanda De Ryk, LB Lewisham said:

When it comes to complex regeneration, there is a third partner – the community. Whether it’s the public or private sector, we want to have a positive impact on the communities in which we live, work, and spend time.

That’s why genuine consultation – including being honest with the community about the alternatives, and the cost of doing nothing – is so fundamental.

In Newham, for example, ECF – our established partnership with L&G and Homes England – has delivered 804 new homes (50% affordable) at Manor Road Quarter in Canning Town.

However, more than homes, we’ve created hundreds of local jobs, including 38 apprenticeships, and provided 2,935 students with work experience opportunities. It is our partnership with the community which has enabled us to identify an approach which really delivers.

Not only does real engagement improve outcomes, it also helps manage the ups and downs of local politics – which are inevitable during the lifecycle of major regeneration.

Michael Keaveney, Grainger said:

Right across London, our partnership approach has delivered transformational change.

at Hale Wharf in Tottenham Hale, we have transformed a forgotten waterside location and delivered a new neighbourhood with 503 homes in one of the Mayor of London’s priority housing zones. Our impact reflects a successful partnership with Haringey Council, Grainger, and the Mayor of London.

We have also enjoyed a 20-year partnership with the London Borough of Lewisham – delivering the regeneration of Lewisham Gateway and paving the way for the comprehensive regeneration of Lewisham town centre.

There is more to come.

Looking forward, Habiko, our new partnership with PIC and Homes England, is aiming to deliver 3,000 sustainable and affordable homes, with real opportunity across the city.

Philip Graham, Greater London Authority said:

When partnerships go wrong – and sometimes they do – it is often a failure of strategic alignment, and the lack of a joint vision. Or, when the public sector is seen as a series of hurdles to jump – rather than recognised as an enabling partner.

However, when we get it right everyone wins. At Muse, we remain committed to forging partnerships to unlock the next generation of sustainable, inclusive places – with grit, determination, and humility.