We’re celebrating a great six months at Leslie Jones, delivering key regeneration and placemaking projects across the UK and beyond.
Contributors
- Chun-Li Reid (Graphics & Part II Architectural Assistant)
As we pass the halfway point of 2026, we’re reflecting on a busy and significant period of project progress, planning milestones and new opportunities.
From town centre regeneration and retail repositioning to major mixed-use masterplans and international aviation work, we’ve continued to help our clients regenerate areas and creates distinctive and thriving destinations that attract people, support businesses and local communities and stand the test of time.
Unlocking potential in town centres and destinations
One of our key highlights has been the unveiling of the £125 million vision for Fareham Town Centre, a major regeneration opportunity focused on reimagining the town centre experience and creating a more resilient, engaging and mixed-use destination.
We’ve recently submitted the first planning applications for our multi-phase masterplan at Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells for the Council owners. The projects will ultimately reinforce and reposition the shopping centre, upgrading existing spaces and delivering leisure, alongside sites for future residential redevelopment.
We’ve also progressed consultations and design work for Palace Gardens in Enfield, supporting the evolution of established centres as they adapt to changing community, occupier and visitor needs.
Major planning and regeneration milestones
At Earls Court, we reached a major planning milestone as the London Borough of Kensington & Chelsea resolved to grant permission for the Hybrid Planning Application. The decision marks an important step forward for one of London’s most significant regeneration opportunities.
In Grimsby, we’ve seen our scheme for Freshney Place commence on site, marking a significant moment in the regeneration of the town centre and the wider ambition to strengthen its role as a civic, retail and leisure destination.
We’ve also continued to make progress at The Charter in Gravesend, a 244-home build-to-rent development that will support the ongoing transformation of the town centre and bring new residential life into a well-connected location.
Repositioning retail for new uses
Our team has continued to deliver creative solutions to repurpose large-format retail units, with the reopening of the repurposed department store at Trinity Walk, Wakefield, now home to Tenpin and with Primark set to open in due course.
At The Ashley Centre in Epsom, we’ve also celebrated the arrival of Primark following our refurbishment of the centre, helping to strengthen the destination’s retail offer and improve the experience for visitors.
Recognition beyond the UK
We’re proud that the Athens International Airport Expansion has been shortlisted for the Best New Airport Design Award at the New Civil Engineer Airports Awards, recognising the project’s design ambition and international significance.
Transformational London Projects
Alongside these milestones, we’ve continued to support some of London’s most exciting regeneration projects, including Earls Court, Elephant and Castle and Wembley Park. Across these places, we’re providing expertise in brand strategy, curation and leasing strategy to help shape distinctive, commercially resilient destinations.
Contributing to the wider industry conversation
Beyond our project work, we’ve joined industry-leading conversations at UKREiiF, GRO Retail and other key sector events, where themes of regeneration, investment and regional growth continue to shape the future of towns and cities. We also took part in the REVO Berlin Study Tour, bringing back fresh perspectives on placemaking and urban transformation.
Strengthening our team
The first half of the year has also brought new talent into our practice, with Dominic Harris and Karuri Kanyi joining the team and already making a significant impact across live projects.
These achievements reflect the strength of our collaborations with clients, consultants, local authorities and project partners. As the year continues, we look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to shape places that respond to changing needs while creating lasting value for communities, occupiers and investors.
A huge thank you to our clients and colleagues for being part of the journey so far. We’re looking forward to what the second half of the year has in store.
