_Urban living: How does Planning improve lives? Our global Knight Frank experts share their thoughts
What is World Town Planning Day?
World Town Planning Day, also known as 'World Urbanism Day', was founded in 1949 and takes place on 8 November every year. Celebrating the Planning sector's role in creating healthy and successful communities, it's recognised in 30 countries (across four continents) and looks at the latest ethical issues, new ideas and success stories in the field. This year's theme was 'resilience'.
Read more about World Town Planning Day
Hear from Knight Frank's experts
Our town planners from across the globe have come together to share their thoughts on the positive impact of Planning and discuss how Knight Frank is helping to create more resilient and sustainable cities and communities.
UK
Kelly McCann, Principal Planner
''Knight Frank’s Planning team is currently securing planning permission for adaptable industrial units across the UK, which, should economic circumstances or market conditions change, can be readily adapted for alternative uses instead of being demolished and rebuilt. Lengthening the lifespan of buildings has substantial environmental and economic benefits and aligns with our ambition to build resilient places.''
Ryan Caldon, Graduate Planner
''Good planning is crucial. There's growing enthusiasm and expectation for built environment projects to exceed minimum standards for sustainability and energy. If we're to strengthen the resilience of the built environment, these standards must be continually raised to encourage organisations to strive for excellence.''
Roland Brass, Partner
''The extremely hot summer and high autumn rainfall this year brought resilience to the forefront of the design process – what we plan and build has a big impact! We're proud to have been part of the design team for the UK’s premier new Garden City development in Ebbsfleet, Kent.''
Stuart Baillie, Head of Town Planning
''Having worked in planning for 25 years, it's a profession that helps you shape the world around you. It's incredibly rewarding to see projects you have influenced being delivered. The way we work and live has evolved since the pandemic and this has impacted our thinking in regard to designing places to live, work and socialise, which is exciting. Our Parkhouse Street project in South London offers 85 new homes and modern workspace as part of the wider transformation of a former warehouse district.''
The Parkhouse development, South London
Hong Kong
Calvin Kan, Associate Director, Planning & Development
''One of our successful cases is the redevelopment of the Adventist Hospital (located on Stubbs Road) – improving the hospital’s healthcare operation and supporting the surrounding community. We embraced the concerns of nearby communities during the public engagement and perceived it as an opportunity to really enhance the scheme.''
Australia
Amy Vaughan, Principal Strategic Planner
''It's exciting to work on projects that provide exceptional benefits. One to note is the award-winning Ginninderry urban release cross-border project. Delivering thousands of new homes and jobs, environmental conservation, exemplary sustainable development and stakeholder engagement, Ginninderry is one of Australia’s most eco-friendly communities.''
Lindsay Callaghan, Planning Manager
''The Knight Frank Town Planning team in Canberra is proud to have been able to play a role in the ACT Government Demonstration Housing Project. The project is showcasing how the ACT can best deliver a compact, sustainable, accessible and active city through innovative planning, design and housing delivery – and how it can meet the needs of residents in the community.''
If you'd like to hear more or find out how Knight Frank's Planning services can benefit you, get in touch with our UK, Hong Kong, and Australia teams.