Unlocking Value in the UK’s Built Environment through Design-Led Investment
The most successful developments are no longer defined solely by their architecture, but by the quality of the environment they offer. As MIPIM 2026 approaches, OOBE Director Emma McNicholas is highlighting a shift in the market: landscape architecture has moved from a "nice-to-have" finishing touch to a strategic tool for de-risking development and driving long-term value.
Blueprints for Innovation: Newcastle and Beyond
In the North East, OOBE’s work on the Newcastle Helix Masterplan serves as a blueprint for the "innovation quarter." By creating a world-class public realm that fosters collaboration, we’ve helped transform a former industrial site into a global hub for science and tech.
Similarly, our work on the Pilgrim Street Masterplan—including the landmark Bank House and the new HMRC Building—demonstrates how landscape-led design can stitch historic city centres back together, creating the prestigious commercial settings that blue-chip tenants demand.
The BTR and PBSA Revolution: Driving Retention
The rise of Build-to-Rent (BTR) and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) across the UK has placed placemaking at the top of the agenda. Investors in projects like New Garden Square and Great Charles Street in Birmingham, or Tower Works in Leeds, understand that the "spaces between" are what drive occupancy and resident retention.
Whether it is the sky gardens of The Mercian or the residential courtyards of Holland Park, OOBE creates biophilic environments that prioritise mental health and social connectivity. This approach isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about creating "sticky" places where people want to live, learn, and stay.
Adapting to Diverse Human Needs
Our portfolio extends far beyond the residential and commercial sectors. At The Spine in Liverpool’s Paddington Village, we’ve integrated biophilic design principles to complement one of the healthiest buildings in the world.
From the precision required for The R&A in St Andrews to the community-focused design of Larkhall Leisure Centre and our work in specialised care homes, OOBE understands how to adapt landscape-led design to complex human needs.
To discuss how landscape-led design can unlock value in your next project, please contact Jenny Campbell at mipim@oobe.co.uk to book a meeting with Emma or Chris.