On Thursday, 27 February, Centrick hosted an insightful roundtable discussion titled ‘Vision to Viability – How Can Placemaking Strengthen BTR Developments?’ The event, moderated by Graham Sibley, Operations and Marketing Director for The Association for Rental Living, brought together industry experts to explore how placemaking can enhance Build to Rent (BTR) projects, ensuring they create sustainable, community-driven environments.
Defining Placemaking in BTR
The discussion opened with a debate on what placemaking truly means within the BTR sector. Henry Columbine of SEC Newgate noted that the term has sometimes been linked to gentrification, but fundamentally, placemaking is about creating desirable, liveable spaces. It involves considering the expected lifestyle, existing communities, and available local amenities to develop environments where people genuinely want to live.
Jane Morcom, Group Business Director at Centrick, suggested that placemaking is, at its core, “homemaking,” focusing on sustainability and community engagement to encourage long-term residency. John Tatham, a finance investment expert, reinforced this by describing placemaking as a process that results in sustainable communities, balancing diverse populations, varied activities, and low energy consumption.
Challenges and Opportunities in Placemaking for BTR
One of the key challenges raised was how placemaking differs between BTR and single-family housing. Jane pointed out that single-family housing naturally incorporates placemaking due to its build program, whereas BTR developments must proactively integrate community-focused amenities to create a sense of belonging. Graham Sibley, from The Association for Rental Living, acknowledged that single-family models present different challenges, particularly when embracing a mixed-tenure approach.
Matt Butler from Axiombridge highlighted the growing interest from investors and developers in transitioning to BTR. Many are looking to create the next big thing, but are also keen to ensure developments cater to actual community needs. This balance between viability and community impact remains a key consideration.
Engaging Communities and Changing Perceptions
A recurring theme was the necessity of engaging with existing communities throughout the development process. Henry Columbine stressed that successful placemaking must address both current and future needs, benefiting residents and surrounding areas alike. He also noted that initial resistance to new developments often stems from concerns over construction rather than the end result.
Laura Lian Clarke from Loft added that many people don’t fully understand what BTR entails unless they live in one. This lack of awareness can contribute to the perception that BTR is exclusive or unattainable. Jane Morcom agreed, stating that while there is a belief that BTR is out of reach for many, its value proposition – security, community, and sustainability – makes it a compelling choice.
Balancing Sustainability and Affordability
Sustainability was another key topic of discussion. While there is a growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly developments, Laura noted that sustainability efforts often feel like a “tick-box exercise” if they don’t align with commercial realities. Carina Ackrill of Centrick referenced the “Love Where You Live” research paper, which found that sustainability is a top priority for residents. However, as Henry pointed out, there is currently no standardised way for consumers to compare sustainability efforts across different schemes.
Graham Sibley highlighted that ARL’s BTR Code of Practice includes ESG and sustainability as core principles, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to responsible development.
Key Takeaways
- Placemaking is a process: It involves creating sustainable communities with a mix of tenures and amenities tailored to residents’ needs.
- Community engagement is vital: Developments should integrate existing communities to ensure a positive, lasting impact.
- Employment opportunities matter: BTR should not only provide homes but also contribute to local economic growth.
- Educating the market is essential: Raising awareness about BTR’s benefits can help shift perceptions and encourage wider adoption.
- Sustainability must be a priority: Developers need to balance eco-conscious building practices with affordability to meet the expectations of future residents.
As the BTR sector continues to evolve, the role of placemaking in creating liveable, sustainable communities will be crucial. Events like this roundtable provide a valuable platform for industry leaders to share insights and shape the future of BTR developments in the UK.
Talk to Centrick
Centrick works alongside industry leaders to explore opportunities and address challenges in Birmingham’s Build-to-Rent sector. If you’d like to connect with our team or learn more, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with Centrick’s BTR specialists.
