Reiiflections: A conversation at UKREiiF 2025
In episode 8 of Talking Place, host Tanisha Raffiuddin takes the mic to the UKREiiF 2025 conference in Leeds to hear directly from the people shaping the future of our built environment.
Across dozens of voices—from policymakers to architects, developers to cultural leaders—this episode of REiiFlections is a vibrant snapshot of what’s top of mind for the placemaking community right now.
At the centre of it all? A single question: "What does the place of the future look like?"
Keep reading for highlights from this wide-ranging, insightful episode.
A Call for Collaboration, Not Control
The first theme that emerged loud and clear? Partnership.
“You can’t build a place without partnership”
Saul Collyns from British Land shared, echoing a sentiment repeated throughout the conference. Whether it’s housing delivery, high street renewal, or community health, the future depends on co-design, not top-down planning.
Too often, communities feel things are done to them, not with them, says Sarah James from West of England Combined Authority. There’s a growing demand for systems that enable shared ownership—where residents are empowered to shape their neighbourhoods from the ground up.
Affordability as a Human Right
Housing affordability came up repeatedly and urgently.
Speakers shared concern that the places of the future might become unlivable not because of technology or climate, but because of cost.
If doctors, nurses, key workers, and young people can’t afford to live in the places they serve, the system breaks. Several guests called for radical policy shifts to ensure housing is not only built, but made accessible—with one suggesting a universal “settlement pot” for communities to allocate funding locally, where it’s needed most.
Power to the People
From the street level to the policy level, one idea kept surfacing: communities know what they need. That means leaders must learn to listen, and be ready to give up power—not just take it.
“We need to move away from the hero-leadership model”
Laura Dyer from Arts Council of England said, calling for leadership that is collaborative, humble, and committed to making space for others.
This shift isn’t just political, it’s practical. Communities that are included from the start build stronger, more resilient places.
Culture, Beauty, and Belonging
For many, place isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about identity.
Guests talked about the importance of homes that are beautiful, spaces that are welcoming, and neighbourhoods that feel distinctive. Whether it’s through material choice, public art, or preserving local culture, there’s a thirst for places that reflect the communities that live there.
Several people called for cultural and environmental considerations to become standard in planning—not an afterthought.
The Future is Not One-Size-Fits-All
Across the board, there was a pushback against uniformity.
From housing models to urban regeneration, the idea that one solution fits every place is quickly fading. People want policies and practices that respond to local context—socially, economically, and culturally.
“There isn’t one answer. Every place should be individual.”
A Shared Vision for Better Places
Though the voices were diverse, a common thread ran through them all: a deep desire to create places that are fair, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
Whether that means more democratic funding, housing choice, or rethinking leadership, this episode captures a turning point in how we think about cities—not just as systems, but as spaces of shared life.
Want to hear more from the voices behind the policy ideas?
Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube to hear Tanisha Raffiuddin and REiiFlections from UKREiiF 2025
Stay connected with us on Talking Place’s Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Bluesky, and TikTok for updates on upcoming episodes, where Tanisha talks with experts across the built environment. From placemaking and branding to sustainability, finance, health, culture, and more, each episode shares valuable insights and practical advice to help inspire your place-based projects and initiatives.
‘Talk’ soon!