I always get genuinely excited when I get the chance to speak with someone who has vision, passion, and a deep understanding of the impact that thoughtful design and architecture have on our lives. That was very much the case this morning when Tom Barclay - Chairman of The Herald Property Awards for Scotland and CEO of the Kingdom Housing Association - and I met with Gary Watt , Development Manager at igloo Regeneration .

Last week I was in Manchester to progress another exciting Il Salotto On The Road panel with a few of my contacts there. One of them was Caroline Baker, Managing Partner of Cushman & Wakefield’s North West region.

Tim Heatley didn’t set out to be “just another developer.” He grew up in rural Salford, watching his social worker parents take in vulnerable adults with learning difficulties, even when times got tough. Those early lessons stuck: buildings aren’t just bricks and mortar, they’re the backdrop for people’s lives, a chance to lift communities up rather than line pockets.

BTR and all that Jazz - From Edinburgh to Manchester: Unpacking the Future of Built-to-Rent

BTR and all that Jazz - From Edinburgh to Manchester: Unpacking the Future of Built-to-Rent

In a world where housing policy often prioritizes quantity over quality, the Burns Road development in Cumbernauld stands out. Discussed passionately at a recent panel on social and affordable housing, the project was hailed not only for its architectural innovation but for its deep commitment to placemaking, community, and longevity. As panelist Donna Milton put it: “This is the best I’ve ever seen.”