Can we take lessons from the past to connect communities and shape our tomorrow?

How do we create a thriving tomorrow built today? A recent report from the Bennett Institute for Public Policy¹ found that successful places rely not only on homes, but also on essential community facilities that foster interaction and connectivity.

In 2024, the Labour Government announced an initiative to develop ‘the next generation of new towns’, inspired by the New Towns programme, with its three phases between 1946 and 1970. Lessons from this reveal that timely investment and planning for social infrastructure are crucial for long-term sustainability.

To deliver successful growth in the regeneration of our towns and cities this same sentiment is true; social infrastructure has to be prioritised at the outset of any construction or regeneration project, to set it up for the best chance of long-term success.

What do we mean by social infrastructure?

It’s the spaces that bring people together, support wellbeing, and create opportunities - hospitals, schools, universities, transport hubs, high streets and more. Together, they create the ecosystems that nurture people through every stage of life.

There is always a balance, and we can’t take all of our lessons from the past. We need to consider recent learning and trends around changing demands and an increasing pace of change, responding to this with the creation of flexible, multi-purpose spaces that can evolve with community needs.

Regeneration must also recognise the critical role that property plays in driving sustainability and accelerating the transition to net zero across the UK, to lead the way in sustainable real estate.

When considered alongside recent progress towards devolution, greater freedom for the public sector promotes the opportunity for decision-makers to think differently about how they re-purpose buildings and estates, including public-private partnerships that can help to unlock their projects.

Public and private sector collaboration driving regional growth

This topic will feature across several sessions we’re hosting and participating in at UKREiiF this year, including the Government Property Forum with Office of Government Property, where we’ll discuss how the public and private sectors have a shared opportunity to drive regional growth by working together effectively.

This builds on discussions at UKREiiF in previous years, reiterating the event’s key role in driving transformative investment and regeneration. It’s also the foundation of our approach at Willmott Dixon, which revolves around the power of partnerships and a shared vision.

Challenges continue to be faced by local authorities, compounded by funding constraints and resource limitations, underscoring the importance in bridging the capability gap. By leveraging private investment, expertise, and our national network, we’re currently developing 2,000+ homes along with associated social infrastructure, to help our customers to realise their aspirations.

Our journey reflects a broader narrative of transformation and growth. This is exemplified by our partnership with Torbay Council and Milligan - formed at UKREiiF 2023 - and current collaborations. The path continues to be one of collective endeavour to realising the full potential of our towns and cities.

Meet Willmott Dixon at UKREiiF 2025

If you’d like to discuss these ideas with me or one of the team, please visit the Willmott Dixon Pavilion at #35 Pavilion Way. You can also request to take part in our Pavilion programme by contacting Louise Roden.

[1] www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk/publications/social-infrastructure-and-the-development-of-new-towns-learning-from-history/