Better Future Homes: Panel Discussion

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of the key sections from our latest magazine issue – Issue 2 of Public Notice.

In this insightful panel discussion, Pooja Agrawal moderates a thought-provoking conversation with Elaine Ambrose, Strategic Initiatives and Programme Manager at L&Q Group, and Kieren Majhail, Associate Director at Karakusevic Carson Architects.Together, they explore some of the most pressing issues in the housing sector today, providing invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities of delivering 1.5 million new homes in England over the next five years.

Reflecting the themes from the Public Housing section of our magazine, the panel delves into key topics such as community engagement, sustainable design, collaboration with local authorities, and the balance between retrofitting existing homes and new developments. Through real-world case studies, including the Somer’s Orchard regeneration project in Portsmouth, the conversation offers a clear view of how the public sector can drive meaningful change and deliver homes that truly meet the needs of residents.

As Kieren Majhail states, “It’s really about embedding community engagement from the very beginning. When we worked on the Somer’s Orchard project, we engaged the community at every stage—this process is key to delivering meaningful, sustainable change.”

Elaine Ambrose adds, “Fundamentally, the biggest challenge we face is communication. Maintaining positive relationships with local authorities is crucial to making these projects a reality.”

1. Long-term Community Engagement is Essential—Both panellists emphasise that effective community engagement from the start of a project is crucial to its success. For example, in the Somer’s Orchard project, involving residents in every step of the process helped create a strong sense of ownership and community.
2. The Importance of Strong Relationships with Local Authorities – Maintaining open, positive relationships with local authorities is a key driver in delivering successful housing projects. Elaine Ambrose explains, “It’s about building trust and communication with the local authorities to navigate the complexities of planning and funding.”
3. Balancing Retrofits and New Builds – The panel discusses the challenges of balancing the construction of new homes with the retrofitting of existing stock. Kieren Majhail points out that retrofitting is often overlooked in favor of new builds, but it can offer significant long-term benefits in improving housing quality and reducing carbon emissions.
4. Sustainable, High-Quality Housing – Both panellists stress the importance of designing homes that are not only environmentally sustainable but also provide a high quality of life for residents. Elaine emphasizes that creating well-designed homes is crucial for long-term community satisfaction and for meeting the needs of diverse groups.
5. The Need for Long-Term Funding Models – For large-scale housing projects to succeed, panellists argue that funding timelines need to be extended from the typical five years to ten years or more. Without long-term funding, projects face delays and uncertainty that hinder their successful delivery.
6. The Role of the Public Sector in Shaping Housing Futures – The discussion reinforces the importance of the public sector’s role in leading the charge towards sustainable, high-quality housing. With the right support, funding, and collaboration, local authorities can make a lasting impact on housing delivery.

You can listen to the full audio recording now, using the link below.

You can read the full transcript of the discussion by downloading the PDF file.