WWhat’s Next for the Living Sector?
With over 25 years of experience in the Living Sector, our work spans the length and breadth of the UK, from landmark developments like Chelsea Bridge Wharf in London to cutting-edge projects that are setting new benchmarks in Build to Rent (BTR) and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). So what’s next in Resi?
To explore the impact of our work on communities and gain insights into the evolving future of the Living Sector, we spoke with Craig Robertson, Director & Head of Residential, to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry.
“Our approach to residential development has evolved significantly in recent years, driven by growing demand in key sectors like Build-to-Rent (BTR). These shifts reflect the changing priorities of communities across the UK, and we’ve leveraged our expertise across all areas of the residential sector to stay ahead. By remaining responsive to market trends, we deliver bespoke solutions that address both immediate needs and future goals, helping our clients thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.”
This sector is constantly evolving, driven by the demands of urban development and the need to address the ongoing housing crisis. At Wallace Whittle, our diverse residential portfolio reflects this growth, featuring standout projects across the UK, including:
- Boddingtons And many more…
We are actively engaged in residential schemes across the UK, with each of our offices managing regional projects, including developments spanning multiple phases. A prime example is our work at Elephant Park in Elephant & Castle, a multi-phase project extending over a decade, which highlights our broad range of capabilities.
More recently, our work at Candleriggs in Glasgow reached a significant milestone with the completion of the L&G apartments in June. This Build to Rent scheme is in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City and features a 16-story building with 346 residential apartments and prime retail space for up to six vendors. These projects underscore the growing prioritisation of sustainability and energy efficiency among our clients, who are increasingly seeking design solutions that not only meet immediate needs but align with long-term ESG goals.
“Sustainability and safety are defining the future of the living sector, and we are already seeing the impacts of new regulations such as the UK Net Zero Carbon (UKNZC) Design Guide and the Future Home Standard. These frameworks emphasise energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, which align closely with our commitment to ESG principles.
The recent updates to the Building Safety Act in October and the forthcoming Fire Safety Act update this month highlight the importance of safety in design and delivery. To stay ahead, we’ve expanded our ESG and Sustainability offerings, ensuring we provide clients with comprehensive strategies that not only meet compliance but also enhance value.” Craig Robertson shared.
With our recently expanded ESG team, we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of residential development within the UK, with sustainability remaining at the forefront of our strategy. As part of this, we are closely monitoring and engaging with initiatives like the UK Net Zero Carbon (NZC) Building Standard, which will play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable residential design. We spoke to Nick Hayes, our Director of ESG & Sustainability, to get his perspective on how the future of residential development is evolving:
“Aligned with the technical requirements outlined by the NZC standard, there is a clear push, led by the funder community, to deliver projects that truly meet robust ESG requirements. This momentum is driving developments that not only address the carbon agenda but also incorporate a broader range of ESG metrics. These include enhancing biodiversity, creating flexible and healthy properties, and fulfilling demonstrable social value commitments.
The challenge lies in translating these commitments into actionable project delivery, design, and procurement solutions.
At Wallace Whittle, our bespoke PathWWay model offers a robust and transparent framework to design, manage, and communicate ESG requirements effectively. It ensures that developments address the needs of all key stakeholders, from funders and developers to end users.” Nick Hayes shared.
The future of the Living Sector is being shaped by an ever-increasing focus on sustainability, safety, and community-driven design. At Wallace Whittle, we remain committed to leading this evolution, leveraging our expertise across Build-to-Rent, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation, and landmark residential developments throughout the UK.
With initiatives like the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard and updated safety regulations, we are dedicated to integrating cutting-edge ESG strategies into every project. By aligning with these transformative frameworks and maintaining a forward-thinking approach, we continue to deliver sustainable solutions that meet the needs of today while paving the way for a more resilient future.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your next project or to learn more about our ESG, Residential & Living Sector experience across the UK:
Craig Robertson – Director, England & Head of Residential
Nick Hayes – Director, London & Head of ESG & Sustainability
