ISSUE 1 AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 A PUBLICATION BY GENR8 DEVELOPMENTS
FEATURING: ROCHDALE RIVERSIDE SMITHFIELD, STOKE-ON-TRENT 04 HELLO FROM GENR8 Genr8 specialises in An introduction from Genr8. 06 FUTURE CITIES John Early attended the Smart Cities development that creates Symposium in Korea, find out his thoughts. aspirational, stimulating 08 SMITHFIELD CASE STUDY Find out more about Stoke-on-Trent’s and sustainable environments new mixed-use district. 14 INSPIRING CITIES Why Copenhagen is ahead of the where people spend time design curve. 18 ROCHDALE RIVERSIDE The heart of Rochdale’s impressive and communities will new town centre.
24 Q&A WITH RICHARD INGHAM grow and flourish. Get to know Genr8 Partner Richard Ingham.
26 HALIFAX CASE STUDY An exciting new chapter in Halifax.
30 MUSIC IN PLACEMAKING We explain why music is important when it comes to placemaking.
31 WHAT’S YOUR SOUNDTRACK? Find out what is on the office playlist.
ISSUE 1 AUTUMN/WINTER 2018
A PUBLICATION BY GENR8 DEVELOPMENTS GENR8DEVELOPMENTS.COM
2 3 ABOUT ABOUT
Hello from Genr8 The first issue of our new magazine focusses on the great work the team have been part of over recent years.
RICHARD INGHAM MIKE SMITH Partner Partner Development that
Our business was 10 years young in Services in house. All of this to provide delivers results February of this year. From a standing our partners and clients with a first start, we have achieved much of what class service across the complete we set out to do and hopefully done development spectrum. it with smiles on our faces. The industry has undergone considerable change Our mixed-use development during that period and our business. experience has seen our award-winning We believe in the impact of regeneration. has adapted to meet these changes. Smithfield Stoke-on-Trent project Our developments transform neglected areas into already gain recognition (p.8) and thriving aspirational environments with a focus on We are Developers, but our business our Halifax scheme nearing completion community and sustainability. We aim to create homes, now encompasses a full range of (p.26). In this issue we hope you’ll find workplaces, leisure and retail districts with a difference. development services. We are also plenty of ideas and inspiration, including Development Managers, Asset a Q&A with Genr8 partner Richard Our experience is matched by a dedication to creating Managers and Investors. And this Ingham (p.24). Dig in and discover quality developments that exceed expectation. year, we brought Project Management more about life at Genr8. Follow us as we turn possibilities into places.
Smithfield, Stoke-on-Trent
4 5 FUTURE CITIES FUTURE CITIES
The future’s looking smart.
With cities consuming over 70% The most futuristic was a presentation One visit that was close to my of the world’s energy and by 2050 by Keith Martin, the project director own heart was the visit to the Incheon expected to house 70% of the world’s of the NEOM project in Saudi Arabia. Bridge control centre where delegates forecast population of 6.5bn, the NEOM is a proposed $500bn megacity were given a presentation on some very continued development of smart in the north west of the country. impressive traffic control technology, technology and systems is vital to Amongst other features it will contain including systems currently under enhance the overall quality of life for a network of underground common development to predict potential the residents who populate those cities. service tunnels dealing with utilities, accident occurrences. waste and security services. Will it Holding a conference on this subject be built? Well, a lot of preliminary work One common theme occurred in Korea was totally appropriate, has already been completed but it was throughout the symposium – no as Korea has made it a key goal to conceived at a time when oil prices ‘one size fits all’. Each city poses its JOHN EARLY become a world leader in smart cities were considerably higher than they own specific challenges, and solutions Partner by recognising its vital importance are today! across different countries cannot be and leading pilot projects to progress globally streamlined. Governmental the future of smart city development. Dr. Dae Yeon Cho, Head of IPMA’s and economical challenges, for starters, Its Songdo new city development Special Interest Group for Smart Cities, mean each city must be considered just outside Seoul is recognised as discussed the smart cities that have individually, but sharing best practice Thoughts from one of the top smart city developments been in development in Korea since and system developments will speed in the world. It already has completed 2004. The ‘ubiquitous cities’ concept up progress and reduce cost. 22m sq ft of space with all its major is defined as cities where citizens’ lives buildings on or beyond LEED are improved by technologies used Will we ever be able to create a fully John Early: requirements. When I finished working consistently throughout the whole city sustainable smart city that is a hub in Korea, 10 years ago, it was just infrastructure. The concept relies on for all things futuristic? As an industry, reclaimed seafront land! high utilisation of services by citizens – we’ll certainly try, but always so the natural conclusion is that citizens remembering it’s not what software Smart Cities The focus of the event, which was partly should actively participate in the key does, it’s what the user does. sponsored by the Korean Government, stages of development. Experts need was the future of smart cities, with to ensure the services provided by the experts from across the world sharing smart city are actually useful to the their case studies and expertise to help people who live within it! establish trends and develop industry One of Genr8’s founding partners John Early standards. A presentation from Alibaba showcased led the Amec team that delivered Incheon the use of big data within smart cities. With around 250 professionals in Where countries in Asia focus on Bridge, Seoul. With a total project cost of $1.2 bn attendance, the symposium was just monitoring traffic control, the focus it is one of the longest fixed-link sea crossings big enough to provide an exciting buzz in Europe is on optimising current but intimate enough to really get to infrastructure such as reducing in the world. In June, he was invited back to grips with some of the fascinating emissions, cost and travelling time. chair a session at the international Smart Cities topics being discussed. Services currently in development include smart parking solutions though, Symposium in Korea. Here are his thoughts... The contrast between creating again, the main question returned smart cities from scratch and adapting to how the solutions on offer could infrastructure in existing cities was improve the lives of actual citizens in a recurring theme in discussions practice rather than simply in theory. and presentations. Songdo is a good practical example of what can be achieved with a blank piece of paper. Seoul, Korea
6 7 1 Smithfield, Stoke-on-Trent Creating a community: Smithfield Stoke-on- Trent
As a key ingredient of its regeneration agenda, Stoke-on-Trent City Council had an ambition to deliver a transformational new business quarter for the city. They selected Genr8 to deliver this vision and Smithfield was born: a £200m mixed- use quarter for Stoke-on-Trent. The name pays homage to the original Smithfield bottle works on the site, giving a nod to the site’s past but demonstrating dedication to its future.
The city’s distinctive new mixed-use district incorporates residential and office space, hotel and restaurants as well as a public realm for all to enjoy.
smithfieldstoke.com
8 9 CREATING A COMMUNITY CREATING A COMMUNITY
A workplace paradise.
The first phase of development comprised 210,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, with complementary leisure accommodation at ground floor. At 1 Smithfield we have created a public sector hub from which Stoke- on-Trent City Council delivers front line services. The second building, 2 Smithfield is now fully let to private sector businesses. In total both buildings are home to 1,700 workers. Designed by leading architects RHWL to a high specification these two office buildings set a new benchmark for quality in the city.
The development was also awarded an “Excellent” BREEAM rating, a first for the city and putting Smithfield Stoke-on-Trent within the top 10% of new non-domestic buildings in the UK. Further office accommodation is in the pipeline and will cater for demand that has now been proven. We secured planning permission for the next two office buildings totally 180,000 sq ft in December in 2018. A new Stoke-on-Trent. Designed to be different. The design hints at the site’s industrial Stoke-on-Trent is at the centre of The Smithfield development needed The development’s fresh look and feel heritage through 2 Smithfield’s use of the north-south, east-west gateway. to focus on bringing the city together has been developed to appeal to the two varieties of the local Staffordshire Located between Manchester and and using its advantageous location in modern occupier. Smithfield features Blue brick while 1 Smithfield takes Birmingham, the city provides excellent the heart of Stoke-on-Trent to provide the highest architectural and urban inspiration from iconic local ceramics connectivity by road, rail or air travel a link between both new and existing design quality from leading designers. designer Clarice Cliff. (you can reach Manchester, Birmingham, areas of the city centre. We have also incorporated innovative and East Midlands airport all within techniques to minimise energy use. an hour). With London just an hour The office buildings and residential and a half away by train, it’s no wonder apartment blocks have been designed 1 Smithfield, global brands such as Bet 365 and alongside an exciting new public realm, Stoke-on-Trent Vodafone operate from here. which includes a central public square and a new pedestrian boulevard. Whilst there were many fantastic This new communal space has been attributes it was time for a city designed to connect the site to the centre refresh. surrounding city centre, providing a seamless link to the wider area.
Smithfield, 1 & 2 Smithfield, Stoke-on-Trent Stoke-on-Trent
10 11 CREATING A COMMUNITY CREATING A COMMUNITY
Hilton Garden Inn, Smithfield
A retail and leisure offering will benefit both the business and residential community, attracting additional footfall and encouraging a more vibrant atmosphere in the evenings and weekends. We’re excited to see Stoke-On-Trent’s new community develop to become an all-purpose hub for residents, professionals and visitors.
The future of Smithfield.
Smithfield continues to go from strength to strength. A shared vision for change created a partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council Hilton Garden Inn that delivered the first phase of development. This has been the catalyst and demand creator for further Also coming out of the ground is In addition to the hotel, the Smithfield transformation that is repositioning Genr8’s 140 bed Hilton Garden Inn development has the potential to the city. which is set to revolutionise the deliver up to 60,000 sq ft of ground floor hospitality offer in the city. Currently retail and leisure space. With over 1,000 only a Premier Inn leads the way car parking spaces available within a in the city and the addition of two-minute walk, the development is Midlands Planning one of Hilton’s premier brands a perfect investment opportunity for will offer facilities of a higher quality retailers and businesses. & Placemaking than ever before. Awards Winner Funding hotel development is one of the most challenging areas possible. Public realm Smithfield 2016 Transforming city living. Genr8 has taken an innovative approach to delivery here, by becoming both the The two 11-storey apartment blocks Commercial units at ground floor But Smithfield is not just all about developer, investor and long term owner are the first development of their and lower ground levels will engage work, it is a mixed-use community. of the hotel. Though this carried more kind in Stoke-on-Trent. These new with the public but could also provide 277 contemporary, Build-to-Rent risk, we were prepared to take it as apartments will improve the city additional facilities on site to the apartments are being delivered we believed so strongly in the project. living offer by providing concierged residential tenants. The apartments to provide quality city centre living. We do think such an approach gives community-focussed rental options. are being built with style and practicality Construction of the first block began us an edge over our competitors and Community will be at the heart of these in mind. They have high-quality, modern earlier this year and the first homes having now forged a partnership with living spaces, with an entrance lobby, and robust finishes and are also designed will be available to rent from Q3 2019 - Hilton Hotels this is an investment postal room, cycle storage, co-working with energy efficiency and low running so watch this space. model we can bring to other library, bookable function rooms with costs in mind. opportunities. In Stoke-on-Trent kitchen spaces, roof terrace with BBQ we are in no doubt it will be a success facilities and a private, well-landscaped and a catalyst for further growth. courtyard. Hilton Garden Inn, Stoke-on-Trent will welcome its first visitors in late 2019. Build-to-Rent residential at Smithfield
12 13 Copenhagen City of Spires in the Spotlight
It’s important for us to understand, appreciate and take inspiration from architecture across the world.
Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, is well known for its stunning architecture and pride in impressive craftsmanship. The city, voted Wallpaper*’s Best City in 2016, is well and truly ahead of the design curve, with a number of developments and initiatives providing plenty of design inspiration.
Copenhagen was one of the first cities the Genr8 team visited when the business was initially established. We travelled to many places gaining an understanding of successful cities, and what makes them so special – and Copenhagen certainly stood out.
14 15 INSPIRING CITIES INSPIRING CITIES
Designs that shape the city.
Named the world’s best residential house in 2011, 8TALLET is a leading housing development designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG Group). The focus is on exceptional design that bring the community together – residents have access to common rooms, a café and an intranet to encourage them to create community groups and connect with one another. 8TALLET (aka 8House) is so impressive, visitors can even book a guided tour to immerse themselves in the day-to-day life of the residents.
The BIG Group also designed the VM Houses and the VM Mountain, stunning Maximising the waterfront award-winning residential developments. in Copenhagen
The Silo is a former grain silo turned residential neighbourhood. COBE “We like to push boundaries and architects’ design brings a modern, refreshed look to an industrious setting. we always look beyond the ‘red line’. A shopper’s paradise. All about the green. A place to remember. As well as providing stunning housing options, visitors are invited to the Innovators such as Jan Gehl bring th Did you know Strøget is one of the Copenhagen is also known for its Tivoli Gardens is loved by visitors all Restaurant Silo on the 17 floor or a freshness and a new perspective world’s longest pedestrian-only eco-friendly focus. From electric buses over the world, and is even said to have to peruse an exhibition on the shopping avenues? Retail districts with to organic bamboo clothing, the drive inspired Walt Disney’s famous theme ground floor. to urban design” a strong history are always particularly for sustainability is huge and the city parks. The location provides something attractive to tourists, and this particular looks to be on track to become the for everyone: rides, entertainment, Architects to admire. MIKE SMITH shopping district is a hub for big brands world’s first carbon-neutral capital a regular live music program, stunning and tourist shops. The street is also by 2025. architecture and gardens. The coloured Many of Arne Jacobsen’s designs Having worked with him previously, we From England’s Midland’s to Denmark’s brought to life by events and street lights that come alive at night help to can be found in Copenhagen, including were already familiar with the work of capital you can find plenty of inspiration entertainers. It’s interesting that the Copenhagen residents and visitors have add an element of magic, too, and the the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel. You’ll Jan Gehl, founder of Gehl Architecture, from Danish design. You are sure to pedestrianisation of the street sparked plenty of access to green space, thanks Gardens are transformed for seasonal also spot architect firm Lundgaard global leaders in people centred urban find stunning architecture and protest and controversy, but its to the development of a number of events such as Halloween. This well & Tranberg Arkitekter’s mixed-use design and advisors on developments developments from world leading innovation has now inspired similar “pocket parks”. Small spaces of unused developed location is a wonderful development, Axel Towers, in most such as Carlesberg City District in innovators wherever you turn in streets and districts all over the world. land are being converted to provide example of how to create a varied popular travel guides. Copenhagen. Gehl’s unique focus Copenhagen. tranquil parks. Not only do these parks and inspiring destination. is designing people first cities and carry aesthetic and community benefits Henning Larsen designed one of the developments where enjoyable a they also provide flood prevention most famous locations in Copenhagen, and exciting urban life is the priority. as they are developed to serve as small the Royal Danish Opera House. For reservoirs. those with a greater interest in sport Our visit convinced us that Jan and than art, visit Nord Architects’ Ørestad his talented team could add huge value Urban open space, Superkilen park, Street Hall. The sports centre can to our Smithfield scheme in Stoke-on- is another key outdoor area for be used for both inside and outside Trent and we appointed the practice residents. The park incorporates activities, with impressive windows to work on the urban design and public picnic areas, cafés, fountains and Perspective of urban all round the building. realm concept. We have not been sports and sculptures. design in Copenhagen disappointed.
16 17 CASE STUDY CASE STUDY
Rochdale Riverside
Rochdale Rejuvenates
These are challenging times for a consequence of Rochdale’s And still we weren’t quite there. the retail and leisure sector. So much topography. So we set about changing Viability was a huge challenge. So in so that new schemes are very few and that and in partnership with the Council, conjunction with Rochdale Council we far between. But we felt that Rochdale assembled a significant and, importantly, assembled a funding package which was different. A town with such a rich level site at the heart of the town which saw the Council taking an investment Rochdale Riverside will be at the heart of The leisure centre, Rochdale Pioneers cultural heritage and the birthplace had previously housed the old bus position that created enough value Rochdale’s impressive new town centre. Museum and Rochdale Sixth Form College of the co-operative movement, its station and Council offices. T.P.Bennett to make the scheme happen. Once The 200,000 sq ft town centre retail and have also been key projects in developing retail offering fell short and leisure then designed us a 200,000 sq ft scheme M&G Investments bought into this leisure destination is just part of a £400 the town and its facilities. facilities were virtually non-existent. that would transform Rochdale’s retail the scheme was finally ready to go, million investment in Rochdale’s town centre, and leisure offer. and Willmott Dixon Construction which includes a Metrolink extension to Major brands are investing in the town centre But for us that meant one thing – commenced work in February this year. Manchester and new transport interchange. too, such as the Tetrosyl Group converting opportunity. We were incredibly We needed pre-lets, and following Newgate House into their corporate impressed with the Council’s ‘can do’ a huge marketing effort we secured Rochdale Riverside will open its doors The overarching aim is to establish Rochdale headquarters. attitude and steadfast commitment a Marks & Spencer flagship, Reel to customers in Easter 2020. as ‘the best place for business’ in Greater to a £400m investment plan, a plan Cinemas, Next, River Island, Boots Manchester. Rochdale’s town centre The next step will be the completion of a that had already seen delivery of No 1 and JD Sports. And now we had Genr8 partner Mike Smith is incredibly regeneration has already seen significant new retail and leisure destination to create Riverside, the Metrolink terminus and something. proud of the team’s achievements. developments, including the award-winning a welcoming hub at the heart of Rochdale. transport interchange, a new leisure “People said to us – ‘A retail scheme in Number One Riverside library and Council centre, and public realm improvements None of this happened overnight and Rochdale, are you sure?’ But we believed offices building. amongst many more initiatives. we have been admirably supported in it and never gave up. We are pretty throughout by our trusted funding much 70% let now and it will be one of What we saw was a lack of partner Kajima, who shares our vision only a very few schemes to open in representation by brands who and whose commitment has never 2020. It’s testament to everyone’s hard ought to have been here but weren’t. wavered. work and can do approach. And a rock A significant factor was a lack of large solid partnership with Rochdale Council. footprint accommodation, in part We don’t like easy, we like difficult!”
rochdaleriverside.com
18 19 CASE STUDY CASE STUDY
Rochdale’s Retail Footprint Score & Class has improved from number 30 (out of 456) to number 11 (out of 457) regionally and from number 227 (out of 4,308) to number 97 (out of 4,324) in the national ranking thanks to the significant investment in the town’s development. Genr8 is extremely proud to be part of the next big step in the journey: the Rochdale Riverside.
The benefits of the development are particularly prominent for Rochdale residents – Rochdale Riverside will aim to bring at least 1,000 full-time jobs to the area and boost the economy by £17 million a year.
Rochdale Riverside
20 21 Rochdale Riverside
22 23 Q&A Q&A
This offer will genuinely transform the I think we’ll see local authorities I love getting out into the outdoors city and bring the community together, increasingly taking a lead in regeneration be that on my mountain bike or climbing and I’m incredibly proud that Genr8 and development both from a funding the fells in the Lake District – we’re so is leading this project. and delivery perspective. The borrowing lucky to have such fantastic landscapes /funding abilities that local authorities right on our doorstep. What’s the secret to making have can unlock many regeneration schemes, which would otherwise I’ve also been a season ticket holder a mixed-use development Q&A with be unviable. at Manchester’s only premier league successful? team (they play in blue for those of you This provides a changing landscape that aren’t sure) since the mid 80’s – Developing a great public realm is for the development industry in terms so you’ll find me with a smile on my Richard Ingham particularly important. There also needs of the role of the ‘traditional’ developer face most Saturday afternoons! to be real focus on getting the ground and Genr8 are already very active in floor spaces active and animated by Genr8 partner Richard Ingham has been an essential talent within this space. Where is your favourite city, the right kinds of occupiers. the business from the beginning. We know him well… but do you? and what’s next on your travel When you’re not working, Of course, projects don’t happen by to-do list? magic. Good estate management and what do you like to get up to? What does a week in the life What was your very first role in You left school at 15, but was bringing together the highest possible Manchester, of course! Joking aside, of Richard Ingham look like? the industry, and how has your the door to education still open quality professional team is key. I have a young family and this takes there are far too many to single out. up much of my time outside of Genr8 Florence, Sydney and Bangkok would career progressed? to you? The beauty (and challenge) of what What trends can we expect and provides the perfect ‘switch off’ all be in my top ten, though. I’m a we do is that every day is different from work life the minute the door last-minute adventurer so I’m not I studied part-time at university for to see in the development so there is no ‘typical’ week. I left school at 15 in 1989 and started opens at home! sure where’s next but Vietnam and the first seven-eight years while I was work as a trainee quantity surveyor, industry in the next 5 years? Cambodia are definitely on the list. working. Whilst it’s not for everyone, Much of my week is spent developing working for a developer/contractor. from a personal perspective the our schemes with the project teams. To say I was thrown in at the deep end experience I gained from starting work Working with the best designers and would be a massive understatement! straight from school and also studying other professionals is a key driver for My first employer went into part time stood me in great stead. us – it’s fundamental to delivering great administration during the recession schemes and having some fun whilst of the early 1990s – this taught me a we do it. lot about the challenges of expanding Tell us about a development a business in the good times, but also project that really stands out the importance of having a plan for I also manage our relationships with and why. our public sector and JV partners, when the music stops. making sure everyone is involved Our Smithfield development in at every stage of the project. For the past 20 years my career has very much been focussed on urban Stoke-on-Trent ticks all of the boxes for me. The rest of my time is spent leading regeneration. In the early years this the Genr8 business. I’m lucky I enjoy had a particular emphasis on housing- It’s a comprehensive city centre what I do, because I spend such a lot led regeneration, such as my regeneration scheme that is truly of time doing it! involvement with the groundbreaking regeneration work around the area mixed-use. We’ve already delivered where the Etihad Complex is now 200,00 sq ft of (now fully occupied) situated. Grade A office space, and some fantastic public realm. We’re also During my time at AMEC Developments currently on site delivering a Hilton I was responsible for a number of high Garden Inn Hotel (which Genr8 will profile mixed-use regeneration schemes own) and Build-to-Rent residential including the now hugely successful accommodation with a good mix Salford Central New Bailey project. of ground floor leisure.
24 25 CASE STUDY CASE STUDY
As one of the few remaining flat sites “From both a technical and viability perspective, at of scale in the Calder Valley, Calderdale Council had identified the former various stages this scheme was arguably completely sewage works and industrial site as the undevelopable. However, through our vision and tenacity key opportunity to deliver desperately needed new employment space and and the strength of our partnership with Calderdale family housing in the borough. Council we made the undeliverable deliverable!’’ Having established a vision for the site, Genr8 were selected as the Council’s RICHARD INGHAM development partner and set about establishing a strategy for the delivery of this complex scheme.
Working with Urban Initiatives, we developed a masterplan and infrastructure strategy focussed on opening up this fabulous canal and riverside site and connecting An exciting new it back to the town centre.
The site presented just about every technical and planning challenge chapter: Halifax you could imagine from historic contamination, complex flood plain issues, the need for new highway bridges across canal and river, and constructing a new 1.5km highway immediately adjacent to the railway line. Our vision. Genr8 partner Richard Ingham believes The former brownfield site in Halifax is being the scheme is a great example of developed as part of Genr8’s £50m transformational Genr8’s ability to deliver schemes regeneration scheme. The mixed-use project will others would shy away from. provide new employment space, high quality family Halifax Infrastructure housing and a new community nature reserve providing Overcoming the infrastructure challenge. exciting new opportunities for the local area. The former sewage and mill works The new nature reserve and green presented an initial challenge. corridor is not only vital to the local We delivered £15m of infrastructure environmental biodiversity, but also to facilitate development of the site. provides residents and tenants with a stunning green open space This included innovative on site to enjoy and connect with nature. treatment of contaminated material Transport across the site and to provide a remediated development connection to the wider area also platform for the subsequent presented an issue. To overcome this, development. we developed new highway bridges over the river and canal, and a new We also delivered significant flood 1.5km link road and offsite junction infrastructure and remodelling of to ensure safety and connectivity. the River Calder.
Homes at Halifax
26 27 CASE STUDY
A new community nature reserve.
Working with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust we’ve delivered a fabulous new community nature reserve including wetlands and woodland trails. We’re really proud of what will be a great legacy for the local area.
Halifax nature reserve
A home by the riverside. “Our Halifax development proved to be one 150 beautiful new family homes are being delivered in partnership with of the most challenging schemes we have ever Taylor Wimpey. The impressive delivered. We’re absolutely delighted to see show houses set on the beautiful river and canalside island site were opened the business space and the majority of the in Autumn 2016, and more than half of the 150 homes are now occupied new homes now fully occupied” by families living in our stunning new RICHARD INGHAM Halifax homes under development. construction
Halifax development Employment at Halifax
An inspiring working environment.
Following extensive remediation of the area, we delivered an employment scheme in partnership with CDP Marshall, to encourage entrepreneurs and organisations to house their business at the development.
The 100,000 sq ft of high quality employment space on offer provided much needed business space for the Calder Valley and wider West Yorkshire region. To date, all of the units are now fully occupied, with staff members enjoying the exciting and enriching working environment.
28 29 OUR SOUND OUR SOUND
Music in What’s on your playlist? placemaking It would be 1978 I think, Maxwell Hall, Salford University, when I first saw We can all relate to music of some kind, Michael Oliver, Director of Engineering Brands should also consider using The Jam live. I was 18 and they blew a particular song or piece that connects at LinkedIn and head of the music music to demonstrate brand me away. I’ve followed Paul Weller us to a certain mood or emotional program (which involved 5,300 personality. By playing music with pretty much ever since really, and have response. It’s been scientifically proven employees), wrote in 2015: “While a style, tempo and genre that suits been to more venues than I care to that music links to our emotions – music the benefits to employees are obvious, the brand personality, consumers remember. Some great ones along has even been shown to decrease our we have uncovered many benefits will experience an enhanced and the way – wonderful places like the levels of stress hormones, lower our to the company as well. Musicians appropriate shopping atmosphere. Empress Ballrooms in Blackpool sticks Paul Weller blood pressure and slow down our pulse perform, which improves the office Do you want to shop for a wedding in the memory. I even slept on Sheffield and heart rate. culture. The program improves the dress while listening to Eminem? station once on the way back from a company’s marketability to potential Probably not. Considering the type last night of a tour at Bath Pavilion! Aside from it physically affecting us employees, especially musicians, both of music that suits your brand is key. – humans are big music fans. Recent as a specific perk and also as a “think What’s your What I admire most about Weller is that research shows that people consider different” means of demonstrating According to the Milliman study, on stage he always gives 120 percent, music to be more valuable to their lives our commitment to fun.” shoppers spent more money when never anything less. It’s a work ethic than sport, art, movies and books/ slow-tempo music was played. Instead in a way. He was 60 this year, but he’s newspapers. Music positively affects us both of whizzing through the shop in time soundtrack? still kicking it. physically and emotionally, so it makes to high-tempo tunes, consumers took In-tune offices. sense to utilise this when looking for their pace from the slower music and Do you enjoy the office radio, shopping soundtracks ways to create a positive working browsed (thus having an extra bit of or playing tunes through your headphones on Music in the workplace contributes environment. You don’t need to go time to add to their basket). your commute? Music is an integral part of our full-scale as LinkedIn has done – why life, and part of many placemaking initiatives. a number of benefits: David Bowie not create an office playlist everyone Nurturing an organic music scene could • Enhanced wellbeing in the team can contribute to? also be a smart move for placemakers. • Colleague cohesion Simply encouraging local talent to share • Better productivity So what does this mean their skills in open and social spaces is What’s on your playlist? not only a plus point for musicians, • Enjoyable office environment for placemakers? but music fans too.
A survey commissioned by PPL Music’s impact in the public realm Whether it’s live music outside or a and PRS for Music found that 77% is prominent, too. Campaigns such specially created auditory experience, of respondents thought music at as ‘Music Walk’, commissioned for music shouldn’t be overlooked when work increased their overall morale the 2012 BBC Proms season, gave planning your placemaking. I’d say David Bowie, James and Groove and boosted the office atmosphere. participants the opportunity to listen Armada are getting the most hammer to various contemporary music pieces on my Spotify playlist currently. David LinkedIn’s music program goes while moving through different urban Bowie should be on every playlist. a step further. Five of its offices are environments in London. This is a There’s something for everyone now equipped with high-end music particularly innovative way of amongst the Bowie repertoire. He’s equipment, to encourage employees heightening visitor experience not only a musical genius – he was an to connect with one another and through music. create music. adventurous, surprising, multi-talented risk-taker. If that isn’t inspirational, I don’t know what is.
30 31 Would you like us to be part of your next project? Get in touch.
Visit us: Genr8 Developments 5th Floor, Parsonage Chambers 3 The Parsonage, Manchester M3 2HW
Contact us: T: 0161 833 9097 E: [email protected]