Thinking neighbourhoods

What a pleasure to chat to Lord Ben Gascoigne on The Infrastructure Podcast this week about the UK House of Lords Built Environment Committee’s work on New Towns - and the UK Government’s ambition to tackle the housing crisis through a new generation of well-planned, infrastructure-led communities. I t’s a lively conversation that covers a lot of ground – have a listen here - or find it wherever you get your podcasts — search “The Infrastructure Podcast” on Spotify, Apple or Google. As Chair of the House of Lords Built Environment Committee, Ben talks us through the findings of the Committee’s latest report New Towns: Laying the Foundations — which calls for decisive national leadership, a dedicated cabinet minister, and a new national delivery agency to drive progress. With a target of 1.5 million homes over the next Parliament, the challenge is not just about numbers, but about creating thriving, sustainable places where people want to live and work. It’s clear that successful delivery the next generation of New Towns will need vision, coordination, and long-term commitment — the question is, does the government have the patience and time required to make it happen? Listen on Apple: Listen on Spotify: Liston on Amazon:

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This week’s episode of The Infrastructure Podcast is with Chris Williamson , the new President of RIBA - the Royal Institute of British Architects – and a man on a mission to revamp and renew the two centuries old institute to meet the challenges of today’s society. We recorded the episode in a quiet corner of the Building Centre in London - have a listen here - or find it wherever you get your podcasts — search “The Infrastructure Podcast” on Spotify, Apple or Google. Chris has built a career on designing spaces that connect people — from the Jubilee Line Extension to the Elizabeth Line and Melbourne Metro — and now he’s turning his attention to reconnecting the architectural profession itself. I really enjoyed chatting to Chris as we chewed over a huge range of issues: · his route to founding Weston Williamson and becoming a world leading architect · the role of architecture in shaping our buildings and infrastructure and the society, environment and communities we live in · the way RIBA can regain its relevance, lead on sustainability, embrace diversity, and rebuild public trust. Have a listen and let me know what you think?

This week I speak to Jamie Hossain , Senior Investment Director at Amber Infrastructure and Lead Portfolio Manager at International Public Partnerships Ltd (INPP) — fresh from leading Amber’s 7.6% investment in Sizewell C , one of the most significant energy projects in a generation. Have a listen here - or find it wherever you get your podcasts — search “The Infrastructure Podcast” on Spotify, Apple or Google. With Sizewell C’s Final Investment Decision now secured, the project marks a major moment for the UK’s net zero transition — a £38 billion twin to Hinkley Point C that will deliver reliable, low-carbon electricity for six million homes. For the first time, the British public will be co-owners of a nuclear power station, alongside EDF , Centrica , La Caisse and Amber Infrastructure. Around 70% of construction spend will flow to UK businesses, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and, all going well, saving the electricity system £2 billion a year. It’s a fascinating look at how institutional investors are shaping the future of UK infrastructure — and why projects like Sizewell C signal a new era for long-term, responsible investment.

In the latest episode of The Infrastructure Podcast , I speak with Peter Jones PhD CEng FICE , Operations Director at Skanska and Visiting Professor at Loughborough University , about the new Improving Construction Productivity report from the Construction Productivity Taskforce — and why tackling unproductive variability could be the single biggest opportunity to transform how we build. It’s here: - or find it wherever you get your podcasts — search “The Infrastructure Podcast” on Spotify , Apple or Google. From digital tools and design for productivity to better data, training, and supply chain collaboration, this report moves beyond theory — showing how practical, proven interventions are already driving measurable gains on real projects. Have a listen – let me know what you think.

In this week’s episode of The Infrastructure Podcast we dive into one of the most promising technologies in the UK’s net zero transition: Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS). What’s that then? Well listen in to my conversation with Alex Young , head of development at Evero Energy as we talk about plans to transform the Ince bioenergy plant in Cheshire. It’s here - or find it wherever you get your podcasts — search “The Infrastructure Podcast” on Spotify, Apple or Google. In short, BECCS combines renewable power generation with the permanent removal of CO₂ — turning a challenge into an opportunity. Energy firm Evero is at the heart of this story is, the low-carbon energy-from-wastewood company which is transforming its Ince Biomass Plant into the UK’s first large-scale BECCS facility — InBECCS. · Capturing 217,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually · Generating clean electricity for 100,000+ homes · Creating skilled green jobs while diverting waste wood from landfill It’s a fascinating conversation as we unpack the promise, pitfalls and potential of BECCS, and ask: How will the project be delivered; what role will InBECCS play in Britain’s carbon removal leadership; and how might it connect with the UK’s growing hydrogen economy?

Rethinking steel: From high-cost high-carbon industrial burden to a become the UK’s net zero catalyst for social and economic growth. In the latest episode of The Infrastructure Podcast , I speak to Ben Holmes , Head of Sustainability at Elliott Wood , about the challenge and opportunity facing UK steel production and how the approach on GPE 's 30 Duke Street project in London – the UK’s largest steel reuse project – can shift thinking. Listen in as Ben talks us through his five provocative “what if” scenarios here - or find it wherever you get your podcasts — search “The Infrastructure Podcast” on Spotify, Apple or Google. 🔹 What if… we thought generationally, not electorally: established a Steel Futures Fund with cross-party commitment, protected by statute? 🔹 What if… we created centres of excellence beyond production : if steel communities became Steel Innovation Districts? 🔹 What if… we made green steel the standard, not the exception? 🔹 What if… we connected steel to communities in new ways: if each steel facility had a Community Steel Trust with local ownership stakes? 🔹 What if… former steelworks became vibrant mixed-use districts? Steel is foundational to our modern world — yet it remains one of the most carbon-intensive materials we produce. With British Steel’s public sector rescue, we face a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine how we make, use, and value steel in the UK. Have a listen and let me know what you think?

Private infrastructure investment was once the preserve of pension funds and specialist investors; today it has moved to the centre of global capital markets with sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, private equity houses, and even retail capital all piling in. Why? Well listen to my latest episode of The Infrastructure Podcast with Charlotte Madden , partner and co-head of infrastructure at global law firm Clifford Chance to hear what ius driving her deals - it's here- or find it wherever you get your podcasts — search “The Infrastructure Podcast” on Spotify, Apple or Google. Infrastructure offers the promise of long-term, stable returns — while underpinning the physical and digital systems our economies depend upon. And in the UK, the stakes are particularly high. With an ambitious £725 billion infrastructure pipeline, more than half of which relies on private investment, questions remain: · How do we balance private capital with public service delivery? · What are the risks and opportunities for investors? · And how do we make sure these projects deliver real value for society? Tune in as we unpack the profound shifts reshaping infrastructure investment — and why they matter for all of us.

Cement is the backbone of UK infrastructure – but do we actually have the cement we need? In the latest episode of The Infrastructure Podcast , I speak with Diana Casey , Executive Director for Cement, Energy & Climate at the Mineral Products Association — the voice of UK cement producers. Listen in here - or find it wherever you get your podcasts — search “The Infrastructure Podcast” on Spotify, Apple or Google. The reality is that without cement, the UK’s roads, railways, schools, hospitals, bridges, and homes would quite literally crumble. Yet as the Labour government drives forward with 1.5 million homes in 5 years and a £725bn infrastructure pipeline, there’s a pressing question… In this episode I chat to Diana Casey as we explore: 🔹 Why domestic manufacturing is becoming uncompetitive 🔹 The risks of relying on imports in a volatile global market 🔹 What a watertight Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism could deliver 🔹 How carbon capture and a clearer industrial strategy can secure supply 🔹 Why this is as much about jobs, security and resilience as it is about decarbonisation This is a conversation about the material that quietly underpins every major infrastructure ambition — and what’s at stake if we get it wrong.