Reflecting on 2024

2024 has been a transformative year for landscapes and cities, marked by significant progress toward net-zero targets. The construction industry has increasingly embraced resilient design and energy efficiency, with a growing recognition of the connection between landscape design, health, and climate outcomes. Green and blue infrastructure, multi-functional public spaces, and nature-based solutions have become integral to urban planning, equipping cities to face climate challenges while enhancing quality of life.

The pressing challenges of the climate and biodiversity emergency have given greater importance to the transformative power and critical importance of landscape design in shaping the future of our cities. In response, we have strengthened our commitment to advocating the importance of landscape-led design while placing greater focus on operating more sustainably. This includes monitoring our carbon footprint and implementing measures to reduce our emissions, both in our operations and within projects.

A major milestone for us this year was the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme, which moved forward with planning approval from Oxfordshire County Council. Our strategy uses natural flood relief measures to boost Oxford’s resilience to flooding while preserving its heritage.

Work is progressing on establishing a new regional park in Ealing, which has been given full support by the community. The visionary project, led by Prior and Partners, will deliver an extraordinary green space for the community, featuring rewilded land, wildlife-rich habitats, and woodlands, as well as new social spaces and connections to encourage active lifestyles and a reconnection with nature.

2024 also saw a shift towards a more circular construction approach, with an emphasis on reusing and retrofitting buildings. At 11 Belgrave for Quadrum Global with Eric Parry Architects, we demonstrated this by blending nature with adaptive reuse. The project, the first in the UK to achieve a NABERS UK 5.5* rating for energy efficiency, retained 35% of the original structure and recycled over 99% of demolition materials. Nature is weaved throughout the development, with terraces and courtyard gardens creating tranquil spaces for social interaction and improved connections with nature.

At 3 Sheldon Square in Paddington for British Land, we worked with Morris + Co on the refurbishment of a 2002 commercial building, transforming it into a sustainable workspace with exceptional communal facilities. Reusing the existing structure and materials significantly reduced embodied carbon and the innovative introduction of cascading hanging balconies enabled us to increase urban greening and improve occupant wellbeing through access to nature.

The concept of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) gained momentum this year, with the long-awaited legislation ensuring that developments leave a positive ecological legacy. We have been appointed to work on three new garden communities at Chalgrove, Ifield and Hemel. Each of these communities will create inclusive and integrated neighbourhoods connected by a network of green streets and public spaces, underpinned by digital technology and amenities that will create a self-sustaining economy and major BNG gains. We also secured planning approval for the Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks site for St William Homes. In collaboration with ecologists Temple Group, we developed a resilient, biodiverse planting programme that will follow the site’s large-scale remediation. The design emphasises a sustainable water strategy, drawing inspiration from the ancient marshland that once dominated the area and will create significant BNG gains.

The government’s Clean Power 2030 ambition made significant progress, with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero outlining a clear path to 100% clean electricity by 2030. This includes major investments in wind, solar, and grid connectivity. We are collaborating closely with National Grid and other transmission companies to support the improvement of grid infrastructure across the UK. A key milestone this year was the approval of the Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement Project. This Nationally Significant Infrastructure project will replace approximately 27 km of overhead lines with 18 km of new overhead lines and 11 km of underground cables, strengthening the electricity transmission network between Bramford substation in Suffolk and Twinstead Tee in Essex. We are also working on additional connection upgrade projects, including Grimsby to Walpole and North Humber proposals, which are part of The Great Grid Upgrade and together extend to over 200km.

Advancements in digital technology are revolutionising the built environment, with AI offering exciting new possibilities for the landscape industry. These innovations are transforming the public realm, creating smarter, more connected, and interactive urban spaces. At the Health Innovation Neighbourhood in Newcastle, we are exploring these technologies first-hand, integrating smart street furniture, digital signage, and sensor-based systems to enhance how people experience and interact with public spaces. This approach will help to create more dynamic, responsive environments that foster engagement and improve the quality of life for residents of all ages and abilities.

At Gillespies, we are steadfast in our mission to enhance quality of life, create sustainable environments, and nurture self-sustaining economies across the globe. This year has marked a period of significant growth and achievement, as we expanded into emerging and resurgent markets such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia. Our efforts have been bolstered by the formation of new relationships and the continued support of longstanding clients in these regions.

While the markets in China and the broader Far East have experienced a noticeable slowdown, our commitments to large-scale projects in Beijing and Hong Kong, such as Taikoo Place, have ensured our presence in Asia, allowing us to deliver exemplary developments and collaborate with renowned architects to enrich our regional portfolio.

The Middle East continues to thrive as a key region for Gillespies. Our deepening foothold in Saudi Arabia has been complemented by a resurgence in the UAE residential market during 2023/2024. This renewed activity has reinvigorated our involvement in the Emirates, marking a return to projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Notable achievements include the successful launch of The Acres in Dubai and a prestigious commission for our Oxford office to design a large waterfront development at Mussafah in Abu Dhabi. We have also continued to expand our work in Europe with projects in Montenegro, Latvia and Prague.

Each one of our projects is shaped by our core pillars, which serve as guiding principles to aid us in creating meaningful, enriching, and memorable experiences while fostering deep connections between people and nature.

Looking ahead to 2025, meeting the UK Government's housing targets will remain one of the most pressing challenges for the industry. As we strive to increase housing supply, it is crucial that we prioritise quality over quantity, ensuring that new developments not only meet the demand for homes but also foster sustainable, liveable communities. This requires a careful balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being. High-quality landscape design, integrated with robust public infrastructure, will play a central role in shaping successful neighbourhoods that support healthy, resilient communities. Green and blue infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and a focus on wellbeing will be key to creating environments that are both sustainable and desirable places to live.

The recent revisions to the UK National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), along with proposed reforms aimed at modernising local decision-making, are positive steps in the right direction. As we approach next year, we’re excited to tackle these new challenges with fresh eyes and fresh thinking, driven by our four pillars and the incredible strength of our diverse team.

A heartfelt thank you to all our clients and co-consultants for trusting us to bring their projects to life. We also extend our gratitude to our exceptional team, both past and present, whose passion, skill, and creativity have helped us challenge and deliver projects that are making the world a more sustainable, liveable, and enjoyable place.

Images: 11 Belgrave, 3 Sheldon Square, Health Innovation Neighbourhood Newcastle. Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks, Synchro Yards Montenegro, Taikoo Place Beijing and Oxford Flood Alleviation.