The summit in San Francisco centred around urban transformation, more specifically how to unlock growth and bring resilience to cities across the world as urbanisation continues its rapid march. I was surprised to learn that an estimated nearly 70% of the world’s population is expected to live in cities by 2050, and it was clear from the summit that a lot needs to be done across the globe to accommodate this.

We have long been advocates for transforming cities, in fact we’re spent much of our time helping to do just that, all the way back to our first project in Concert Square in Liverpool in 1993. When we design our places, we start with an idea, a vision, or more grandly a manifesto as to what we think the place will be like when we’re done.

Unlike many, we don’t start with a spreadsheet – we agree our design principles, community goals and values before diving into the financials. If we are true to our purpose, the financial returns should follow. My visit was a reminder of how it’s not usually the norm to have an approach that puts people and purpose above all else, and one that looks at how much value and impact can be created when we look to long-term rather than just short-term gains.

During the summit, I joined the ‘Driving High-Quality Urban Development’ roundtable which launched the Pioneering Projects project involving several cities – Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur, Utrecht, Medellin, Montreal and San Francisco – to find ways of accelerating sustainable and resilient urban development. Bringing together delegates from across the globe, the roundtable was an opportunity to hear diverse perspectives and see what’s possible when we learn from one another.

I was proud to share details of our work at Park Hill in Sheffield as an example of long-term, purpose-led regeneration in action. First completed in 1961 as a bold vision for modern urban living, we’re now injecting that energy back into the Brutalist landmark with 455 new homes, accommodation for 356 students and more than 50,000 sq ft of workspace across three completed phases, with planning secured for Phases 4 and 5. Although we first outlined our plans for Park Hill 20 years ago, we’ve remained committed to that original vision. Holding onto a clear purpose from start to finish is vital for success – whether in a single neighbourhood model or a large-scale regeneration scheme – and it’s this consistency that we feel builds resilience.

But my days in San Francisco were also far more than sitting inside and having conversations – I was fortunate to be able to get out and about and see placemaking in action. I joined a site tour with Associate Capital to explore Dogpatch Power Station – a new mixed-use, carbon-neutral development with housing, workspaces, retail and open public spaces connecting the Dogpatch area to the Bay.

It was inspiring to speak to the team delivering the project and their collective passion, energy and dedication which will breathe new life into this area and the work to create a new neighbourhood designed to be enjoyed for generations – and to see a chimney that rivals our very own Lister Mills in Bradford!

My time in San Francisco with the WEF reminded me that, from Sheffield, San Francisco, and everywhere in between, the principles of thoughtful, purpose-led regeneration remain the same: start with people, stay true to your vision, and collaborate with others to create lasting impact.

Seeing innovation in action around the world reinforced my belief that long-term commitment, community focus and shared learning are what truly make cities resilient, vibrant, and ready for the challenges of the future.