The introduction of the Building Safety Act has added layers of complexity and red-tape to the construction and development process. This mega-roundtable, gathered together by Project Four, discussed the challenges involved with the new legislation and what the industry needs to do moving forward.

The built environment is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, and refurbishing and retrofitting existing structures is crucial to achieving net zero targets. This roundtable, convened by DeSimone Consulting Engineering, brought together developers, architects, and real estate experts to discuss the pros and cons of breathing new life into a building.

Place North’s invitation-only briefing on the Wednesday morning at UKREiiF explored one of the biggest and most enduring obstacles the property and development industry is seeking to overcome – society’s distrust of the sector.

UKREiiF brought echoes of MIPIM and an encouraging sign that our industry has built some real momentum in overcoming challenges and optimising opportunities, writes Paul Dodsworth, group managing director of Caddick Construction.

There was a palpable sense of nervousness among the delegation’s public sector contingent about the rise of a certain political party, while the private sector vented its frustration about the Building Safety Act, hoping for a confidence-boosting spending review.