Michael Hewlett’s Post

I'm thrilled to share the exciting news about an exclusive, game-changing partnership between Pioneer Group, The Crown Estate, and Oxford Science Enterprises. This marks the start of a partnership that has a long-term ambition to invest up to £1.5 billion to support the UK’s science, technology and innovation sectors.   In our initial project together, we are transforming a former retail site in central Oxford into a state-of-the-art 100,000 sq ft innovation hub.    This development is in a unique city centre position in one of the fastest growing ecosystems in the world. The repurposing of an existing disused department store is a crucial step towards providing the high-quality infrastructure needed to support Oxford's thriving science, technology and innovation sectors.   This is a culmination of months of hard work to form a partnership with multiple colleagues, specialists and consultants involved. A huge thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to forge this strategy. I am looking forward to potential further projects in Oxford with Oxford Science Enterprises, and across the UK with The Crown Estate.    It can not be understated how this was an enormous team effort, to name a few; some special thanks to my colleagues, members of the Oxford Science Enterprises and The Crown Estate team; Richard O'Boyle Toby Reid James Evans James Latham Tom Sheldon Pete Wilder Jim Wilkinson Alex Hammacher Matthew Weiner Geoff Ford Ben Brinded Matt Fitter. From a property perspective, it has been great being advised by Joe Wall at HampsonWall, Nick Stewart at STEERFORTH LIMITED, Sam Potts at Bidwells, Raj Deb & Daniel Parker at Perkins&Will, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, CMS & Simmons & Simmons on the legals and JLL on partnership advisory. It was also a pleasure to work with Savills and DTZ Investors on the other side of the deal. Exciting times ahead - watch this space! Explore Our Groundbreaking Partnership 👇 https://loom.ly/lyXQFtE #realestateinvestment #sciencesuperpower #humanhealth #planetaryhealth

Quantum computing meets real estate. Workplace, labs, logistics all merging into a "Village within a Village". This is a profound example of repurposing. Mission accomplie !!!

Savills spotlight; Cardiff plays a significant role in the #UK's #economy, with a low unemployment rate of 3.7%, below the national average. The city benefits from a strong academic presence, led by #CardiffUniversity, which contributes to a skilled workforce of over 31,000 #students. Cardiff’s start-up scene, supported by over £100 million in venture capital in 2023, highlights its innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Additionally, upcoming #infrastructure projects, such as the new crossrail, will further enhance connectivity within the city, boosting economic activity. https://lnkd.in/gtNcGY58

Whilst high street retail real estate is struggling, the opposite can be said for technology and science industries, as the demand for labs in the UK is heavily outweighing the current demand. A great way to tackle this imbalance is to redevelop existing building: https://lnkd.in/ejryDQYD The Crown Estate Dan Labbad Future Labs Live Basel #londonlablive #labfacilties #labrealestate

REALTY AWARDS 2024: last days to apply!  Celebrating the best of what our industry has to offer.   Developers, architects, construction companies and startups: organized for the first time in the rich history of Realty Belgium (Real Estate) , the Realty Awards 2024 aim to give visibility and support to the most impactful real estate projects, as well as to the most innovative companies in real estate technology. These Awards are supported by leading industry partners and the European institutions. Geography: Europe   We have already received: + 40 project submissions (deadline Sept 12, 11.45 PM)  + 150 startup submissions (deadline Sept 11, 11.45 PM) and still increasing! Aligned with the principles of the New European Bauhaus.   APPLY: https://lnkd.in/eapwMWEu   Extra: For BELGIAN developers-architects-constructors:  3 of the WINNERS will be selected to join 3 of the European Commission Keynote Speaker’s panels. 3 winners = 3 panels For BELGIAN startups:  3 of the WINNERS will be selected to join 3 of the European Commission Keynote Speaker’s panels. 3 winners = 3 panels   TIP: don’t make it complicated, answer the questions in the rating software UNTAP and upload your deck or your project presentation. EPRA (European Public Real Estate Association) UPSI-BVS Embuild - The Belgian Construction Association Agoria RICS European PropTech Association #construction #realestate #neweuropeanbauhaus #europeancommission #RealEstate #PropTech #ConTech #ESG #Sustainability #GreenNewDeal #SmartBuildings #DigitalTransformation #SustainableDevelopment #CircularEconomy #GreenBuilding #ClimateAction #EnergyEfficiency #RenewableEnergy #UrbanInnovation #SmartCities #NetZero #CarbonNeutral #SustainableConstruction #FutureOfWork #Decarbonization #EUCommission #EURegulations #EuropeanGreenDeal #CleanEnergy

Innovation really can be for everyone. Read how we are driving socio-economic change in Slough and what the judges from Property Week Awards have to say about our recent win here: https://lnkd.in/efZ7DXXc #PropertyWeek #business #innovation #PWPropertyAwards #PropertyAwards #PWAwards #CommercialProperty #PlusXInnovation #DealOfTheYear #PropertyIndustry Plus X Innovation

We’re beyond excited to share that ToGather Homes has made it to the TOP 50 Semi-Finals of the 6th edition of Europe’s largest PropTech/ConTech competition! The PropTech and ConTech StartUp & Scale-up Europe Awards 2024, organized by the European PropTech Association and FINNOVA FOUNDATION, is backed by key figures from the European Commission, including the President of the European Parliament, the President of the European Committee of the Regions, and several members of the European Parliament. And the pitches are officially underway! It’s incredible to see how this competition has grown—from 140 applicants in 2019 to over 400 contestants in 2023. With the support of 70 C-level executives in Real Estate and Tech, as well as members of the European Commission, the validation process is both balanced and objective, ensuring that the best and most promising PropTech and ConTech startups in Europe shine. We’re thrilled to be part of this two-day event in Brussels at Realty Belgium, organized by Dirk Paelinck, Chairman of the European PropTech Association. We’ll be pitching live in front of the jury and attending keynote sessions from top leaders, including Stefan Moser, Deputy Director-General of the DG Energy of the European Commission, and Pieter Staelens, Policy Officer, DG Grow of the European Commission. A big shoutout to Grigor Hadjiev from PIMCO Prime Real Estate for supporting this competition, which aligns perfectly with the principles of the New European Bauhaus. And a massive thank you to the 70 jury members who spent countless hours reviewing all the submissions. We’re honoured to be part of such an inspiring journey! EPRA (European Public Real Estate Association) RICS Susanne Eickermann-Riepe FRICS Ursula von der Leyen Karin Barthelmes-Wehr Werner Knips Julia Arlt #realestate #eugreendeal #construction #innovation #europeancommission #circularconstruction #retrofitting #renovationwave #dggrow #construction #realestate #neweuropeanbauhaus #europeancommission #RealEstate #PropTech #ConTech #ESG #Sustainability #GreenNewDeal #SmartBuildings #DigitalTransformation #SustainableDevelopment #CircularEconomy #GreenBuilding #ClimateAction #EnergyEfficiency #RenewableEnergy #UrbanInnovation #SmartCities #NetZero #CarbonNeutral #SustainableConstruction #FutureOfWork #Decarbonization #EUCommission #EURegulations #EuropeanGreenDeal #CleanEnergy  

As South #Florida’s pandemic-fueled growth has slowed, the region is now going through growing pains, concluded the panelists at Commercial Observer’s annual #SouthFlorida #development and investment forum. Still, no one was panicked: The region is only in its first inning of growth. “We have redefined ourselves as a world-class city,” said Camilo Miguel, Jr., CEO of Mast Capital, referring to the city’s namesake. One great example is the transformation of Miami Worldcenter, a 27-acre development in Downtown #Miami, spearheaded by Nitin Motwani, managing partner of Miami Worldcenter Associates and Merrimac Ventures (not to mention the son of keynote speaker Ramola Motwani, chairwoman of Merrimac Ventures, who also spoke during a panel moderated by Al Dotson, Jr., managing partner of law firm Bilzin Sumberg). According to Matthew Adler, the chief investment officer of ZOM Living, a national #multifamily developer and #investor: “South Florida has been far and away the strongest market since 2020 — now that we’re post-pandemic and there are still more people still who want to come here.” On the #office front, Miami hasn’t quite leveled up. It’s “not a market that routinely signs 200,000-square-foot office leases. It’s not like New York City or Chicago,” said Arnaud Karsenti, managing principal of 13th Floor Investments. “A big #lease in Miami is 40,000 square feet.” Like everywhere else in the country, #construction costs have skyrocketed. “Concrete used to be at $80 a cubic yard. Today that’s around $160, $180. There are limited suppliers in the market,” David Martin, CEO of Terra, said during his keynote interview. “I’m hopeful that capitalism, #entrepreneurship and new players start developing more market efficiencies.” Even without a sales gallery and marketing materials ready, the Four Seasons condo project in Coconut Grove garnered strong pre-sales this summer. “That’s what happens when you marry a strong developer with a strong brand and the correct location,” said Christine Martinez de Castro, vice president of sales and marketing at CMC Group, a partner on the project. Luxury buyers love hospitality brands because of the services and amenities they provide, “but they still want privacy,” said Brad Meltzer, partner and president of Two Roads Development. Thanks to the Live Local Act, “it doesn’t take much to get to 120 percent,” according to Asi Cymbal 🎗️ Cymbal, chairman of Cymbal DLT Companies. The developer has already delivered one project, where all 341 units are priced at 120 percent in Miami Gardens, and is already looking for new workforce housing opportunities. Julia Echikson Cathy Cunningham Max Gross James R Freiman Suzanne Amaducci-Adams Dev Motwani Anthony De Yurre, Esq, LLM Laura Galeano, Esq. Schwartz Media Strategies

Building with a vision beyond the present Standing under the vaults of the majestic Milan Cathedral, a question crossed my mind: if the architects and builders of this masterpiece were today's startups, would the cathedral still be standing? Probably not, and here's why. In the past, buildings like Milan Cathedral were built to last for generations. These structures were designed and built with the community in mind, reflecting a commitment to future generations. The reasons for such monumental undertakings varied, with some seeking to demonstrate their power, while others sought to contribute to the community or express gratitude to the community for their contribution. Regardless of the motive, the focus was on creating something lasting. Today, however, the primary goal of many businesses is to make as much money as possible as quickly as possible. This way of thinking encourages a constant search for quick money-making opportunities. This creates the illusion of a constantly changing environment. But is that still the case? Is the environment around us still changing rapidly, or are we frantically looking for changes around us to justify our actions and unhappiness? Imagine if we shifted our focus from short-term profits to a long-term vision to build something that would stand the test of time. What if our projects and businesses were designed with future generations in mind, with the goal of contributing to the community and creating lasting value? Milan Cathedral is just one of many symbols that remind us that true greatness is not achieved through speed and profit, but through vision, commitment and a deep connection to people and the future. #Leaswolf #Leadership #Sustainability #LeadershipDevelopment #Commitment #StrategicLeadership #VisionaryLeadership

This is my penultimate post in a series of key insights from my outreach this year before I take a break, which might come as a relief to some of you 🤣 As you have probably noticed, most of these recent posts come back to the overarching project-operations gap between (#mechanicalengineering #mep #constructiond) Design + Build and Operations (#buildingoperations #facilitiesmanagement). That's because, as Digital Buildings Council's (DBC) treasurer Mike Hook at founding member LMG (lmgiq.com) pointed out at the launch of the DBC's initial Working Groups, the overarching gap between construction and operations digitalisation drives many of the DBC's planned working group initiatives. At the same time, the surrounding discussion about digitally bridging the project-operations gap is likely to drive several additional interrelated initiatives: https://lnkd.in/e-p3GF5F It's just that I am surprised that this challenge has not been articulated and even really discussed by other initiatives and bodies connected to where digital and property meet (particularly those more focused on #smartbuilding enablement). I explain the insight behind the articulation of this challenge in a little more detail in a previous post about the Smart Building Overlay for the RIBA Plan of Works being a great start for advocating 'smart from the start:' https://lnkd.in/eivmJYhm I have also discussed how performance-related ratings like NABERS might help plug the gap, although I would also be interested to understand if and how the UK NZC Buildings Standard might help with this too: https://lnkd.in/eJ6iHHmt And I even curated and moderated a panel this year at London Build Expo discussing this gap framing it as #digitalconstruction is from Mars and #digitaloperations is from Venus. You can see/listen to an AI-generated summary and podcast here: https://lnkd.in/esiKfVtZ And connected to that panel discussion is this diagram I presented at BSRIA Briefing 2024 (the day after the London Build Expo panel). It's based on a discussion I had with Lucas Cusack at Glider Technology when we met at PropTech Connect back in September. Lucas also kindly stepped in at the last moment to participate in the London Build Exp panel. This dot joining may sound like a scratched record now given my banging on about it since PropTech Connect, but perhaps the #SoftLandings framework also needs a smart or digital overlay. And, again, I am surprised that the joining of the dots between the project-operations gap and soft landings framework has not been articulated and even really discussed by other initiatives and bodies connected to where digital and property meet... Hopefully, more on this soon.