The city of Dubai, fuelled by major glass-fronted development over the past 40 years, appears to have realised that its residents may appreciate more than shopping and gyms. A new design-led area is being purpose-built in the desert, aimed at attracting start-ups and ‘creatives’. While this sounds like the antipathy of how fringe areas usually develop – usually led and grown by the occupants themselves rather than the planners – in Dubai there is little choice if such an area is to flourish.

One of the largest ever portfolio developments is close to beginning with TFL looking to secure Joint Venture partners for its proposed 75 site developments around Central London. Old Street Roundabout, Kidbrooke railway and Bermondsey + South Kensington tube stations have been mooted as potential sites for the vast development plans held by TFL.