05 Feb 2010
The firm was jointly commissioned by the UK's Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and London Development Agency (LDA) to create an action plan, build a database of brownfield sites and produce a best practice guide.
The project involved undertaking a benchmark study resulting in a sophisticated but accessible means of identifying brownfield sites, assessing viability of end uses and engaging with policy makers, identification of gaps in current knowledge of brownfield sites in London and the development of an action plan, database and best practice guide.
The judges commented, “This work has set a benchmark using the power of IT to provide a fresh, sophisticated and accessible way to identify sites for potential reuse to help the process of bringing them forward for development, together with a robust updating system. The project involved working with professionals on the ground to produce a robust system that is likely to be maintained and developed because it adds value. As a bonus, it has created a network of professionals keen to apply their experience in London and elsewhere and has informed a nationwide review of the National Land Use Database and is implementation.”
Chris Tunnell, head of Arup's planning, policy and economics team, commented, “I am delighted to have won this award. This was a project commissioned by an enlightened and forward thinking client which was able to utilise the full depth of Arup’s technical resources. It addresses and simplifies the process of achieving the reuse of previously developed land contributing to greater sustainability and achieving much-needed regeneration.”
The RTPI Awards are presented for outstanding achievement in town and country planning and are the premier celebration of the planning profession throughout the UK and Ireland.
The award was presented at a ceremony at The Hilton, Park Lane, London on Thursday 4 February 2010.
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