Growing Places: The Innovative Development Strategy Shaping Communities

In this episode of the ESG in Property Podcast, host Adam Hinds explores a transformative approach to property development with Tom Larsson, the innovative founder of Grow Places.

About Tom Larsson and Grow Places:

Tom Larsson brings over a decade of experience in leading complex urban developments. After training as an architect and working with leading London practices, he spent ten years at Stanhope PLC, where he rose to become Head of Design and Development Director. During his tenure, he led major London projects including the landmark Television Centre redevelopment in White City, transforming the former BBC headquarters into a vibrant mixed-use destination.

In 2021, Tom founded Grow Places to pioneer a different approach to property development, one focused on evolution rather than revolution. Drawing from his architectural background and extensive development experience, Tom's vision centres on improving quality of life through thoughtful, community-focused real estate development.

Key Discussion Points:

• Evolution Over Revolution: Why respecting existing communities creates better development outcomes
• Data-Driven Development: Using demographic and socio-economic analysis to shape project decisions
• Stakeholder Trust: Building transparency into every stage of development
• Mixed-Use Innovation: Creating resilient developments that serve diverse community needs
• Future-Focused Design: Planning for generational impact

• Community Engagement: Practical approaches to building lasting relationships
• Risk Management: How transparency reduces project risk
• Value Creation: The commercial benefits of community-focused development
• Long-term Vision: Building for both current and future generations
• Real-world Application: Insights from the Truman Brewery redevelopment

Tom shares insights from current projects, including the Truman Brewery redevelopment in East London, where Grow Places works with institutional investors, private landowners like Truman Estates, and charities to deliver sustainable urban regeneration.

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to ESG in Property Podcast

(01:39) - Understanding Stakeholders in Real Estate

(04:35) - Tom Larsson's Journey into Real Estate

(10:04) - Founding Grow Places: A New Approach

(15:33) - The Concept of Place Growing vs Place Making

(17:44) - The Purpose Behind the Manifesto

(39:20) - Quality of Life and Community Impact

(42:11) - Long-Term Vision and Stakeholder Engagement

(44:49) - Operational Success and Community Empowerment

sustainable development, property development, real estate investment, urban planning, community engagement, stakeholder management, mixed-use development, quality of life, urban regeneration, sustainable real estate, property management, development strategy, ESG in real estate, sustainable urban development, Truman Brewery redevelopment