The Business Case for People-First Placemaking: A conversation with Frances Heeney
In the evolving landscape of sustainable urban development, the intersection of finance and placemaking is becoming increasingly crucial.
In a recent episode of Talking Place, host Tanisha Raffiuddin sat down with, Frances Heeney, Director of Principal Asset Management, to discuss how financial strategies can align with sustainable placemaking and the broader role of asset management in creating thriving, inclusive spaces.
Frances brings a unique perspective, having transitioned from an architectural and urban planning background to working in global investment management. She now develops investment products that not only generate financial returns but also contribute to sustainable urban development.
Keep reading to explore key takeaways from this insightful conversation.
Places as Investments for Our Collective Future
“People, society, human beings—if they’re healthy and in those places, those places are going to thrive. And so your investments are going to perform.”
Frances underscores that investment in real estate is about more than just buildings; it’s about creating places that foster community, well-being, and economic growth. She explains how financial performance is inextricably linked to the quality of a place. If a place is designed to meet the needs of its community and is an attractive, functional environment, then investments are more likely to generate long-term returns.
From a finance perspective, this approach represents not just traditional asset classes like retail and office spaces, but also emerging sectors such as industrial and logistics assets. As e-commerce continues to reshape the landscape, investors are increasingly focusing on logistics centres, which are becoming critical components of modern infrastructure.
Shifting Investment Trends and Community Spaces
Frances discusses how evolving investment strategies are reshaping urban spaces. The rise of logistics assets, for instance, is transforming formerly overlooked areas into bustling hubs of economic activity. Yet, with this shift comes the challenge of making these areas more appealing to potential workers and residents.
She shares insights into how industrial and logistics assets are now being designed with community and worker well-being in mind. Developers are incorporating amenities like green spaces and recreational facilities to attract talent, a strategy that acknowledges the role of place in shaping investment returns.
Embracing ESG and Sustainable Development
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria have become a cornerstone of modern investment strategies. According to Frances, ESG principles are now deeply embedded in asset management and are increasingly seen as essential for long-term financial performance.
“Having a sustainable building is going to make it operationally more efficient, and that will impact your bottom line.”
Frances outlines how her firm works with institutional investors to align financial goals with community impact, particularly through investment products that focus on sustainable urban development. This approach is particularly relevant as global demographic shifts and environmental challenges drive demand for more resilient, people-centric spaces.
The Role of Storytelling in Asset Management
In the investment world, data and financial returns are only part of the story. Frances highlights the importance of storytelling in asset management—connecting financial outcomes to tangible impacts on people and places.
She explains that storytelling can bridge the gap between financial metrics and real-world outcomes, making investment opportunities more relatable and compelling. Whether it’s a data centre, an affordable housing development, or a logistics hub, the narrative behind an investment can significantly influence investor interest and public perception.
What’s Next for the Built Environment?
As the conversation wraps up, Frances reflects on the future of placemaking and sustainable development. She envisions a built environment that not only meets financial targets but also addresses social challenges such as housing affordability, community health, and climate resilience.
Curious to know more about Frances and her insights on place?
Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube to hear Tanisha Raffiuddin and Frances Heeney’s conversation about how asset management intersects with placemaking and sustainable development.
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.
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