Latest news with #urban transformation
BBC News
18 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Attercliffe masterplan includes thousands of homes and new jobs
Thousands of new jobs and homes are set to be created in one of Sheffield's oldest city council has announced proposals for up to 3,000 new homes and 1,500 new jobs as part of its Attercliffe agency Homes England, which is working with the authority, said it would transform large parts of the area into a "vibrant, eco-conscious community" over the next 10 to 15 Canning, head of area at Homes England, said: ''Attercliffe is now at the forefront of Sheffield's new wave of urban transformation. "This revival blends Sheffield's industrial roots with a bold, green future."Like Kelham Island, Attercliffe is set to become one of Sheffield's coolest, most forward-thinking neighbourhoods."Attercliffe dates back to the 12th Century and its name derives from "at the cliff" referring to the cliff down to the river bank to the north of the High 1297, it was one of the largest villages in the area. The growth of the steel industry meant the neighbourhood became a vast urban area with virtually no green space or trees, other than the council said a key task would be encouraging people to live there and said the east end of Sheffield had suffered long-term decline for over 40 authority believes it's an ideal location for development due to its proximity to the city centre and the runs through the area, which is also by the waterside and close to the Meadowhall shopping masterplan aims to make it the centrepiece rather than "a space between other developments", according to the and residents are invited to take part in an online consultation until 25 August. There is also a public drop-in event on Tuesday 22 July from 16:00 BST to 20:00 BST at The Steel City Stadium in Attercliffe. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Building on a century of vision: Irene Lee's leadership at Hysan Development
Under the stewardship of chairman Irene Lee, Hysan Development is redefining urban sustainability and community in Hong Kong. Anchored by a century-old legacy, Lee's leadership is driving the transformation of Causeway Bay with a future-focused vision and a 'Core and Pillars' strategy that set new benchmarks for urban evolution in Hong Kong. By spearheading the development of Hysan's Lee Gardens area, Lee is ensuring the company retains its strong foundation in Hong Kong while addressing the needs of an ever-changing city. Urban transformation Hysan's latest milestone, Lee Garden Eight – a 1 million sq ft premium commercial development set for completion in 2026 – will expand the Lee Gardens leasable portfolio by approximately 30 per cent, establishing new benchmarks for sustainability and connectivity. This groundbreaking project and the broader Lee Gardens rejuvenation, including new pedestrian bridges, with a total investment by Hysan and its tenants amounting to approximately HK$30 billion, illustrate Lee's devotion to creating people-centric spaces that anticipate the emerging needs of Hong Kong's dynamic community. 'Our roots are deep, but our vision is always forward-looking,' Lee says. 'We are true to my grandfather's vision, which was to create a commercial precinct catering to a growing and increasingly prosperous population. It sets our bedrock while we remain committed to a dynamic curation which addresses changes and structural shifts. We are devoted to adapting and transforming Lee Gardens for those who visit, work, shop, or just come to enjoy the area. Our legacy must remain relevant for future generations.'
Arab News
5 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Reimagining Saudi Arabia's future: creating new economies within
Imagine waking up to cool, crisp air, surrounded by rolling green hills and stunning mountain views. Your morning commute is a short, traffic-free drive through scenic roads, and by the evening, you're enjoying dinner on a terrace with year-round comfortable weather. This starkly contrasts the congestion and high-rise density of a major metropolis. Imagine, on weekends, taking a two-hour drive to the beautiful shores of the Red Sea, hiking through the mountains, camping in the desert, or simply enjoying the serenity of Friday morning at a local cafe. For many in Saudi Arabia, this kind of lifestyle is often dismissed as unrealistic. The country's economic heartbeats — Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam — have become the primary hubs for jobs and business opportunities, making them the default choice for most professionals. But what if Saudi Arabia's smaller cities and towns — with stunning landscapes, cooler climates, and a balanced pace of life — became viable economic centers? The Future Saudi Cities Program is a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and the UN Human Settlements Programme. It is part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and aims to guide urban transformation by enhancing the livability and sustainability of 17 cities across Saudi Arabia. One such city is Taif — historically known as a summer retreat for royals and elites because of its cooler temperatures and stunning landscapes, and its strategic location close to Makkah and Jeddah. Taif has the potential to be more than just a seasonal destination — it could be a thriving economic hub, attracting professionals looking for an alternative to big-city life. However, like many other secondary cities, it lacks the necessary infrastructure to support a modern workforce and economy. Most professionals and businesses gravitate toward Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam because that's where the opportunities exist. Before the announcement of Vision 2030, companies — whether local, regional, or international — prioritized establishing a presence in major cities. The need for proximity to government entities, regulatory and legislative bodies, reliable logistics infrastructure, modern office space, and access to essential services such as schools and health care facilities primarily drove this. However, with Vision 2030's emphasis on digital transformation and the widespread availability of e-services, the business environment has fundamentally evolved. Today, companies can access many government services remotely, reducing the necessity of being physically based in traditional urban centers. Instead of allowing this cycle to continue, why not encourage large corporations to establish offices and operations in smaller cities? What if Taif, Jazan, Hail, or Abha were considered touristic destinations and places where professionals could build their careers without sacrificing quality of life? If multinational and local companies were incentivized to move into these secondary cities — with tax cuts, subsidies, or access to government-backed contracts where applicable — it would trigger a chain reaction of economic and social transformation by creating new jobs and stimulating economic growth. The presence of these corporations in smaller cities would create high-paying jobs, reducing the need for local talent to relocate. With better salaries, residents would spend more locally, supporting small businesses and services. When new industries and professionals settle in these areas, they introduce different lifestyles, work ethics, and cultural perspectives. This shift can lead to greater entrepreneurial activity and a more diversified economy. In addition, unlike the rapid, often unsustainable urbanization seen in major cities, developing secondary urban centers allows for smarter, more environmentally friendly expansion. Just as Riyadh is emerging as a hub for corporate headquarters, secondary cities in Saudi Arabia are being strategically developed as specialized economic zones in alignment with Vision 2030 objectives. For instance, Taif is enhancing its tourism, hospitality, medical, and agribusiness sectors through initiatives like the New Taif project. Similarly, Jazan has been designated a special economic zone to attract international investors. In Tabuk, NEOM encompasses developments like The Line and Trojena. Abha is part of the Future Saudi Cities Program. The future of Saudi Arabia: a multi-city economic powerhouse. Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy, but diversification should not only be sectoral — it should also be geographical. The opportunity is here — it's time to seize it.
