Beyond Economics: Redefining Success in Contemporary Place Regeneration with Jonny Birkett

In this episode, we sit down with Jonny Birkett, Managing Partner (Joint) at Genecon Ltd, to explore the evolving priorities in place regeneration. We delve into the critical question: Is social and environmental impact now equally as important as economic growth when regenerating towns, cities, or regions?Jonny shares insights into contemporary approaches to place regeneration, emphasizing that measuring success solely by economic impact is no longer sufficient. Modern placemakers are increasingly recognizing the importance of understanding both the social implications and environmental effects of change.Jonny discusses the necessity of developing a comprehensive overview early in the process—during master planning, business case development, and design stages. By presenting a complete picture from the outset, placemakers can better identify challenges and opportunities, enabling proactive interventions that not only mitigate negative impacts but also enhance positive outcomes.This episode highlights the broader understanding that successful places are those that thrive economically while also fostering social cohesion and environmental sustainability. Jonny reflects on the commitment to creating places that positively impact both communities and the natural environment, recognizing that genuine success in placemaking goes beyond economic considerations alone.Join us for an insightful conversation on how the priorities in place transformation are shifting and what it means for the future of our towns, cities, and regions.