We are dealing with a once in a lifetime crisis. This is an unprecedented situation that will affect people across all continents simultaneously and will have significant long-term impacts. 

 

It is in times like this that the challenges facing developers – an inflexible planning system, outdated construction methods, scarcity of land – pale in comparison. Now, our industry must focus entirely on people.

 

Developers have ignored people for too long. We design homes that suit strict investment models, not how people want to live. We deliver workspaces that don’t enable people to move around and interact. And we create public spaces that people can’t use.

 

 

At First Base we are challenging ourselves to find new ways to respond to the needs of the communities we work for. Our approach has always centred on engaging and empowering local people in the development process. For example, we encouraged residents to help design a new development in Ravenscourt Park and this resulted in a place that was loved and championed by the community. We worked extensively to understand the local issues around our development in Brighton and introduced initiatives to address loneliness and isolation by connecting vulnerable people with their neighbours and hosting a series of neighbourhood events. At our most recent development in Bristol, we heard that childhood obesity is a major issue and we are working with the neighbouring school to deliver food growing initiatives for children and healthy eating workshops for families.

 

With communities across the UK facing crisis we have seen many companies across our industry make positive interventions, offering accommodation to the NHS, space for local charities and food banks and deploying local teams to assist elderly or vulnerable individuals. Some property owners have stated they will do all they can to assist businesses with their cash-flow by deferring rent payments. At a time of desperation for many people and businesses we should be available to listen and lend a hand. However, the uncomfortable question for all of us is, ‘Why does it take a crisis for us do this’? 

 

Development is often shaped by return on investment. This crisis could provide the fundamental reset that is needed, so the focus is on social not commercial value.  This means taking the time to listen and understand the challenges and ambitions of the communities that we are involved in and working together to find ways to address these. Over the coming months this also means adapting and responding to changing needs, and providing support and amenities for the people that need it the most. It can never be right to deliver a multi-million-pound project and local people do not feel a tangible benefit.

 

Once we are through this, we will go back to normal and continue to tackle those big industry challenges. I am confident that our solutions will come from a new perspective, a genuine people-centred approach.