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!Â
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21:57
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.Â
A must-listen for developers, planners, and anyone shaping the future of our urban centres.Â
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27:24
S4 Ep17: In conversation with Shaun Simons, Co-Founder of Compton
Shaun joins Concllio's Managing Director to discuss commercial real estate in the City Fringe and how Compton seeks to stand out by challenging industry norms.
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In the latest edition of the Concilio Better Places podcast, Shaun Simons, founder of Compton, joined Concilio's Managing Director Nick Dines to discuss the evolving landscape of commercial real estate in London’s city fringe.
Shaun shared insights into Compton’s journey to its current role as a leading agency specialising in vibrant, creative districts. He highlighted the challenges of making commercial property more engaging, emphasising branding, storytelling, and community integration.
The discussion covered shifting market dynamics post-COVID, the rise of flexible office spaces, and the impact of planning policies on development. Shaun also addressed the future of Canary Wharf, the oversupply of office space in certain areas, and the need for more adaptive planning strategies.
Looking ahead, Shaun explains how Compton aims to continue challenging industry norms, embrace innovation, and expand its influence in London’s commercial property sector.
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34:34
S4 Ep16: In Conversation with Places for London’s Graeme Craig and Mark Walker
How TfL’s land is being transformed into new homes, places, and genuine social value
In this episode of Better Places, Concilio’s Siddo Dwyer is joined by Graeme Craig, CEO of Places for London, and Mark Walker, the organisation’s Strategic Engagement Lead. Together they discuss how Places for London is reshaping the capital by unlocking land around transport hubs to deliver thousands of new homes and public spaces.
From Bollo Lane to Cockfosters, we explore how the team is tackling London’s biggest challenges - housing need, sustainability, and trust in development—while delivering value back into the transport network. Mark shares lessons from a career in political engagement and explains why listening to communities from day one is key.
This is an insightful look at how public land can be harnessed for public good—without compromising on ambition or delivery. Listen now!
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1:01:26
S4 Ep15: In conversation with CPCA Mayor Paul Bristow at UKREiiF
Concilio’s Managing Director, Nick Dines, sat down with the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow, at UKREiiF.
In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Managing Director, Nick Dines, sat down with the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow, at UKREiiF to discuss Our Time is Now – the Mayor’s bold vision for unlocking the region’s full potential.
Paul highlighted the importance of ensuring growth benefits for the whole region – not just Cambridge, but also places like Peterborough, which he sees as having significant untapped potential. He committed to strategic infrastructure like a Cambridge Light Rail system - calling it more suitable and future-proof than current bus-based schemes such as CSET.
Paul also spoke about the need for greater political unity across parties and local authorities, positioning the mayoralty as a powerful regional voice – inspired by figures like Andy Burnham and Ben Houchen. He was clear about the need for governance reform, suggesting bodies like the Greater Cambridge Partnership, may no longer be fit for purpose and should be replaced by more streamlined structures, including the potential creation of two new unitary authorities.
With new devolved planning powers akin to those held by the Mayor of London, Paul is now able to deliver a pro-growth Spatial Development Strategy. He spoke of the need to shape long-term development – including around 150,000 new homes – to ensure it meets the needs of local people and future generations.
Finally, he spotlighted major strategic ambitions such as a new stadium for Peterborough, underlining the importance of getting ahead of growth to ensure it delivers for communities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
 Don’t miss this conversation – listen now!Â
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