Latest letters
Town centres need joined-up approach
The future of high streets and town centres remains a hot topic that has now moved into the planning arena, with the proposed changes to permitted development rights (PDR).
Airspace development potential may be overstated
Having read your piece on airspace development (08.03.19), my first thought is: are we at risk of creating lots of expensive penthouses?
Brexit ‘frustration’ dispute is not over yet
Although the EMA failed to persuade the High Court that Brexit amounted to a ‘frustration’ of its lease at Canary Wharf, it has been granted leave to appeal, so it won’t be the last we hear of this high-profile dispute (‘Canary Wharf v EMA Brexit “frustration” case to go to ...
Retailers still focusing on expansion
It was interesting to read your piece on expanding retailers (15.02.19) and I wanted to throw a few more into the mix.
It’s far from game over for the UK leisure market
The global eSports phenomenon has gained unprecedented momentum and, though based online, it is making waves in the property market.
NAO report: government must act
Few of the findings in the NAO’s ‘Planning for new homes’ report will come as a surprise to those in the development industry (15.02.19).
New tech is key to growth of property securities exchanges
We face the fascinating dawn of new property securities exchanges, including one that recently gained ‘recognised status’ to trade under FCA regulations (PropertyWeek.com).
Outlets show retail can still thrive
The article ‘The Nightmare After Christmas’ (01.02.19) suggested that although the predicted retail apocalypse did not appear this Christmas, trading was negatively affected by deep discounting by retailers and that the true effect of this would be seen at the end of the financial year.
Apprenticeships need evidence to assess their social value
Congratulations for raising the profile of social value in the industry and putting on such a well-attended event earlier this month – and effective chairing of a lively discussion (Property Week and LGIM’s Social Impact Spotlight panel debate).
Industrial boom to continue in 2019
While uncertainty around Brexit continues, in the industrial and logistics sector we are witnessing almost record levels of take-up as occupiers compete to future-proof their supply chains.
Smart retailers link in-store experiences to online offer
I read Ed Cooke’s opinion piece ‘More than meets the eye with festive retail figures’ with interest, particularly his point that retailers see online and offline channels independently.
Time for retail independents to shine
Christmas was a mixed bag for retailers. There is a distinct nervousness within the market at the moment.
