Oxford Central West Hand-out January 2019September 2025 This two-page graphic focusses on west Oxford-perhaps the most extraordinary underdeveloped area of any historic city. This area is crucial to the future of the city and the potential of the area will not be fully exploited unless the various planned developments are coordinated. The 200 acre site is currently a fragmented and largely forgotten part of the city. It is susceptible to flood and sliced up by the railway line, river and canal so that east/west movement is very difficult. Despite its proximity to the centre of Oxford it feels isolated. It should be one of the most valuable parts of the city but the constraints make development difficult.
Cambridgeshire Quality Charter January 2019September 2025 A contract from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority involved assessing the value of Design Review, the meaning of social cohesion, and the most practical way of assessing the performance of new communities. A refreshed version of this influential charter will be published.
Better Housing for the 21st Century January 2019September 2025 A report by The Academy of Urbanism on how the problems of the English housing market may be solved by learning from successful places.
Academy of Urbanism ‘Here & Now’ article series December 2018September 2025 A series of publications written by Nicholas Falk for the Academy of Urbanism’s Here & Now journal since 2015.
Capital gains: a better land assembly model for London June 2018September 2025 This report examines how London can improve land assembly processes to boost housing delivery.
Re/Shaping London Unlocking Sustainable Growth in West London and Beyond October 2016November 2025 This report considers a handful of ways in which London can be shaped and re-shaped in response to the challenges of climate change, EU exit and pressures on tolerance, ambition and fairness.
Growing Historic Cities September 2016September 2025 A symposium in Oxford’s Kellogg College drew members of the Historic Towns Forum ranging from St Albans to Wells and York, together with a large contingent from Oxford.The aim was to learn from success, and to debate the principles that would lead to sustainable or ‘smarter growth’ that does not outstrip infrastructure capacity. Presentations on Grenoble and Freiburg provided an international dimension, and Dr. Nicholas Falk, one of the co-organisers drew out lessons from four other European cities acclaimed by the Academy of Urbanism, including Montpellier and some Dutch examples.
Final Oxford Central West Report March 2016September 2025 This report of a workshop held at the Said Business School and Nuffield College on 16/03/2016 sets out the main conclusions and proposals, along with supporting information, to include some cases. The event was organised by Oxford Civic Society (OCS) and the Academy of Urbanism (AoU) and brought together local stakeholders with outside experts, over fifty in all.
Swift Rail and Growing Cities January 2016September 2025 The UK could learn from Germany and its own experience in London’s Docklands when it comes to rail transport links, argue Dr Nicholas Falk and Reg Harman.
Sheffield Garden City? Options for long-term urban growth July 2015September 2025 This report takes a deep look at how Sheffield, one of England’s under-sized cities, could grow over the coming decades. It explores why provincial cities like Sheffield need to expand, especially given the national housing shortage, and breaks down where and how 100,000 new homes might fit into the city region by using a mix of urban renewal and strategic greenfield extensions.
Affordable Housing for Oxford March 2015September 2025 This report outlines findings from the second in a new series of workshops on future growth in central Oxfordshire. It follows up some of the issues raised by Oxford Futures in bringing together a wide range of people across professional, sectoral and age divides. It was organised by Oxford Brookes University with URBED, and was sponsored by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Trams for Oxford March 2015September 2025 Modern Light Rail Transit (LRT) could be the saviour of historic cities such as Oxford. This conclusion emerged from a seminar organised by URBED and the Sintropher project group at UCL on 12/03/2015. A series of papers were discussed by an audience representing a range of interests from Oxford City as well as experts from the tram world around the UK.
Oxford Futures Transport Options November 2014September 2025 This report outlines findings from the first in a new series of workshops on future growth in central Oxfordshire. The workshops are aimed at bringing together interested people in the universities, local authorities and the wider community. It was sponsored by URBED with Keble College, and followed on from URBED’s winning submission for the 2014 Wolfson Economics Prize, which tests out the idea of doubling Oxford in size.
Funding housing and local growth: how a British investment bank can help June 2014September 2025 Funding Housing and Local Growth advocates for a transformative approach to housing development in the UK. It proposes establishing a Municipal Investment Corporation (MIC) linked to a British Investment Bank (BIB) to mobilise private investment and enhance infrastructure. By prioritising upfront infrastructure, selecting optimal growth locations, and fostering local authority collaboration, the report aims to double house-building rates and create sustainable neighbourhoods. It critiques the current financial system’s shortcomings and highlights successful international models, urging a shift towards smarter growth that balances economic needs with environmental and social considerations for future generations.
Oxford Futures: achieving smarter growth in Central Oxfordshire January 2014September 2025 The Oxford Futures report advocates for smarter, coordinated growth in Central Oxfordshire to harness its economic and educational strengths while addressing pressing challenges.
