GP 31: Every Project Needs a Good Client: with Colm Lacey of Soft Cities and NCC

Every project needs a good client, so today we hear from one! Colm Lacey, whose deep experience being a Client on built environment projects in public housing and education for entities such as Brick By Brick, provides the insights. Colm's journey from housing development to shaping educational estates in London and beyond provides a unique lens through which we explore the concept of "soft cities" and more broadly the role of being an educated client in the built environment. Learn how cities can thrive through their activities, relationships, and energies rather than just their physical structures. Gain valuable insights into the role of an effective client in the public sector, ensuring that diverse stakeholders are represented while prioritising the ultimate users of created spaces.Explore the intricacies of public and third-sector development, particularly when it comes to affordable housing and community-focused initiatives. Colin emphasises the importance of maintaining strong ethical foundations and fostering innovative collaborations with developers to maximise social impact. Hear firsthand experiences from the Brick by Brick development company on transforming traditional appraisal methods and creating cooperative relationships that enhance the quality and affordability of housing projects for the communities they serve.We also navigate the evolving urban landscape of post-COVID London, where mixed-use spaces and diverse transportation options are crucial to maintaining the city's dynamism. Colm shares his vision for sustainable campus development and the importance of community-led initiatives in preserving socio-economic diversity. Tune in to understand how thoughtful urban planning and a commitment to retrofitting existing infrastructures can lead to a more sustainable, progressive, and inclusive urban environment, reflecting the ideals of a "good city".