At Savills Urban Design Studio we deliver high quality placemaking through community collaboration and commercial intelligence, supported by international and local research. We design resilient and thriving places which people value.
Successful and happy places are mixed, diverse and connected. As urban designers and landscape architects, we are innovative thinkers who are constantly querying and testing the ingredients that shape good places and buildings for a changing world.
We need to better understand who we are creating places for and the range of choices these places can offer. Happy places are well connected, where communities enjoy easy access to their high streets, schools, local facilities, good quality jobs and open spaces through sustainable means, especially walking and cycling.
“THE SUSTAINABLE CITY HAS GOT TO PROMISE MORE HAPPINESS THAN THE STATUS QUO. IT HAS GOT TO BE HEALTHIER, HIGHER IN STATUS, MORE FUN, AND MORE RESILIENT THAN THE DISPERSED CITY.”
Charles Montgomery, Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design, 2013
We believe in genuine collaboration, starting with all internal Savills disciplines, our coconsultants and clients.
This chart shows how our Urban Design Studio jointly develops proposals and innovative design solutions through collaborative working from early concept design stages. We often produce designs up to RIBA Stage 2+ which go to outline planning applications.
We formulate bespoke engagement strategies for our clients, communities and stakeholders. We also work with a variety of tools and methods, including co-design and hybrid engagement approaches.
We deliver thriving low carbon communities, with nature-based solutions and carbon conscious designs.
Resilient places provide a variety of choices to live and opportunities for social interaction, with a focus on health and wellbeing.
Working closely with our Savills Earth colleagues from very early days of design development, we support our clients on their sustainability, energy and net zero carbon journeys.
Combining this approach with other Savills specialisms such as economics, development and research, we provide early strategic advice and deliver robust masterplans that achieve economically active, viable and successful places.
THRIVING ECONOMIES
HEALTHY PLACES TO LIVE
DIVERSE NEIGHBOURHOODS
CULTURE & HERITAGE
LOW CARBON JOURNEYS
RESILIENT LANDSCAPES
COMMUNITY & SOCIAL VALUE
CARBON CONSCIOUS DESIGN
Maximising Biodiversity Net Gain Creating a Stronger Centre Improving
Savills is promoting an extensive mixed-use community including significant employment, commercial and retail facilities, leisure and the arrival of East-West rail, linked to the existing Cambourne settlement.
Our latest visioning work explores ways to deliver a net zero masterplan which involves increasing Cambourne’s self-containment, such as the provision for the Cambridge Autonomous Metro; extensive provision of BNG; sustainable energy production; and modal shift. The proposals integrate strategies for health and will also deliver a significant active travel network including linkages to the existing town with green pedestrian bridges and extensive cycle highways which facilitate connections to Cambridge.
CLIENT: Martin Grant Homes
2014 - Present
OTHER SAVILLS SERVICES:
• Development
• Earth
• Economics
• Health
• Planning
PROJECT OUTCOMES:
• Reg 19 Masterplan
• Vision Document
This project for the University of Reading includes both site capacity testing for a science and media park, as well as an overall vision and masterplan for a new Garden Village.
A landscape-led approach has been integral to the project, including open space and green infrastructure strategies, and detailed planting and biodviersity enhancements.
The commission forms part of a wider site promotion to create a new low carbon community with a new Eco-park at its centre, focused on the River Loddon. The vision is to allow people to live, work, play and be educated locally as part of an integrated community.
CLIENT: University of Reading
2021 - Present
OTHER SAVILLS SERVICES:
• Development
• Earth
• Economics
• LVIA
• Planning
PROJECT OUTCOMES:
• Strategic Masterplan
• Feasibility Studies
• Landscape Strategy
• Stakeholder Engagement
A Renewed Market Square
This masterplan comprises three key components - a public realm framework, re-purposing vacant opportunity sites for mixed-use development and two significant town centre housing sites which will bring more homes closer to the town centre.
New and existing public spaces and streets have been carefully re-designed to integrate more greening, swales and dwell time spaces for visitors. A celebrated central destination play park will be brought into the centre of the town in addition. Revenue generated from building new homes within the town centre will enable these key improvements, including boosting the retail offer, also enhancing the cultural and historical setting of this town centre.
CLIENT: West Northamptonshire Council
2023 - Present
OTHER SAVILLS SERVICES:
• Development
• Earth
• Planning PROJECT OUTCOMES:
• Town Centre Masterplan
• Public Realm Framework
• Feasibility Studies
• Community Engagement
This masterplan strategy looks at a renewed vision for a site which was previously planned for development in 2018.
Our work investigated constraints and opportunities more carefully, working closely with ecologists and drainage consultants to ascertain the best naturebased solutions for the site. The vision aims to create a sustainable new neighbourhood which is better connected to its village context and local amenities. A new local centre and primary school will act as a focal entry point into the new community here. Key spaces and public realm will be connected with an extensive blue infrastructure network, with SuDS and rain gardens informing flows of pedestrian and cycle movement throughout the new community.
CLIENT: The Crown Estate
2022
OTHER SAVILLS SERVICES:
• Earth
• Planning
PROJECT OUTCOMES:
• Vision Document
• Local Plan Promotion
Our inherent strength lies in our ability to support development and delivery processes via the broader range of Savills interdisciplinary services and specialisms. It is this expertise that provides the key foundational support to create viable and desirable places.
Feasibility and viability are fundamental pillars of our design process. Both provide the critical support that enable our ‘sustainable placemaking’ strategies to be delivered as successful places.
LINCOLN
A comprehensive review of housing estates across Lincoln Council’s portfolio has been carried out to determine key issues that are causing social, economic and environmental concerns and how these can be most effectively addressed.
A range of opportunities have been explored looking at minimum, medium and maximum development interventions. These also support a phasing approach towards comprehensive redevelopment. Interventions include strategic infill and garage site redevelopments, part demolition, deep retrofit and roof top extension in order to shape better homes, public and private spaces within the estates.
CLIENT: City of Lincoln Council
2023 - Present
OTHER SAVILLS SERVICES:
• Earth
• Economics
• Housing PROJECT OUTCOMES:
• Estate Regeneration Recommendations Report
• Feasibility Studies
• Stakeholder Engagement
Short Term Interventions
Medium Term Interventions
A mixed-use site feasibility study was prepared on a complex site by the local high street in Thornton Heath, relating to mixed-use densification of priority sites around transport nodes. The proposals respond to the close proximity of neighbouring transport infrastructure and high street setting by using tall pavilion buildings set within residential courtyards above a large foodstore.
The study looked at wider public realm improvements along the high street with a clear rationale for street frontages and access points into the semi-private courtyard space. Buildings and heights were carefully distributed to ensure good daylight sunlight levels into new homes and the shared amenity spaces.
CLIENT: Tesco plc
2017 - 2018
OTHER SAVILLS SERVICES:
• Development
• Economics
• Planning PROJECT OUTCOMES:
• Feasibility Studies
• Delivery Advice
A comprehensive masterplan was developed across a large land holding east of the town centre. The masterplan proposed new streets, spaces, residential, retail and civic uses that extended the sensitive historic structure of the High Street. As part of the masterplan strategy, the design team also looked at wider public realm improvements to ensure stronger wayfinding and legibility in the town centre.
The project showcases how urban morphology can play an important role in introducing streets and human scale spaces to create a lively intimate urban fabric that enhances and supports local commerce and stimulates the local economy.
CLIENT: Wealden District Council
2019 - 2022
OTHER SAVILLS SERVICES:
• Development
• Economics
• Planning
PROJECT OUTCOMES:
• Town Centre Masterplan
• Feasibility Studies
• Public Realm Framework
• Stakeholder Engagement
The masterplan proposed buildings up to 20 storeys framing new streets and a central pocket park as part of high density living.
• Feasibility Studies
• Pre-Application Process
• Landscape Strategies
LEOPARDSTOWN, DUBLIN
Savills was instructed by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) to provide strategic level optioneering, to optimise the Racecourse’s function, viability, broader socioeconomic contribution and to provide 850-1,000 homes.
The Campus Wide Masterplan informs the development and planning processes, stakeholder engagement and government level decision-making. The masterplan process considered equestrian operations, facility upgrades and the introduction of new hospitality and leisure facilities, in particular a new major leisure / sports facility of national significance.
CLIENT: Horse Racing Ireland
2023 - Present
OTHER SAVILLS SERVICES:
• Commercial Advice
• Development
• Earth PROJECT OUTCOMES:
• Campus Wide Masterplan
• Detailed Design Studies
• Landscape Strategies
“Savills was chosen to deliver an ambitious Masterplan for the Leopardstown Racecourse Campus in Dublin.
“We have found Savills to be the ideal partner – clear about their aims and objectives, and yet willing to respond to often challenging demands to reflect local opinion and aspirations.
They brought a wealth of talent and experience to the process, in particular from their Masterplanning, and Sustainability teams, as well as their Commercial Real Estate experts. It was complex, energising and challenging, with lots of passion, and some fun along the way.
They have been professional and fun to work with, and have delivered what has been asked of them.”
Martin Hammond Deputy Chief Executive Kettering Borough Council
At the end of it all, Savills has delivered a Masterplan for Leopardstown of which we can all be proud of.”
John Kennedy Client Representative & Member of
the Leopardstown Committee
Savills is leading proposals for South Oxford Science Village. The proposal will deliver an exemplar new community, including 3,000 new homes and employment, community and educational facilities. The site will provide for an integrated community fit for the 21st century where residents and employees mix together in work and leisure; where shopping and community facilities are accessible to everyone.
The South Oxford Science Village will integrate international research and innovation with local business and education, leisure and social opportunities to create a new neighbourhood that is greater than the sum of its parts. CLIENT:
• Development
• Economics
• Planning
• Reg 19 Masterplan
• Vision Document
• Economic Delivery Advice
ST. SAMPSON, GUERNSEY
Guernsey Housing Association has commissioned the Savills Urban Design Studio and the Savills Housing Delivery Team to provide a fresh perspective for delivering a placemaking-led new neighbourhood at Fontaine Vinery.
Together, we have started to investigate options for delivering the maximum quantum and most diverse mix of much needed affordable housing on this site whilst simultaneously address Guernsey’s housing shortage.
The masterplan was developed simultaneously with multiple rounds of consultation events, where design scenarios and proposals where tested with various stakeholders.
CLIENT:
Guernsey Housing Association
2024 - Present
OTHER SAVILLS SERVICES:
• Development
• Housing
PROJECT OUTCOMES:
• Options Appraisal
• Market Viability Assessment
• Stakeholder Engagement
Langley Sustainable Urban Extension is one of the largest residential growth initiatives within the UK. Birmingham City Council released the land to respond to the demand for new communities and supportive infrastructure improvements.
The proposals put forward will form a key part of Birmingham’s ambition to provide over 51,000 new homes by 2031. Savills Urban Design Studio developed an outline application and masterplan for the site, detailing approximately 5,000 new homes. The outline masterplan depicts a series of community, education and leisure uses, as well as mixed-use centres in conjunction with the large scale housing provision.
CLIENT: Langley Consortium
2012 - Present
OTHER SAVILLS SERVICES:
• Development
• Economics
• LVIA
• Planning
PROJECT OUTCOMES:
• Outline Planning Application
• Design Guidance and Coding
• Community Engagement
MAPLE CROSS, HERTFORDSHIRE
Our inter-disciplinary team helped to promote this site within the London Green Belt. Given its sensitive greenfield location, a landscape-led masterplan was essential. Supporting work has included Landscape and Visual Appraisals, Green Infrastructure and Public Open Space Strategies and a Green Belt Review.
The proposals for this circa 57ha site include 1,500 new homes, a 1.5ha primary school extension, local centre, healthcare, innovation centre for new start-up businesses, and new green infrastructure including new parkland. The masterplan focuses on health and wellbeing; including green space, and local food growing, with the aim of providing a high quality legacy for our client.
CLIENT: Guys & St. Thomas Foundation
2017 - Present
OTHER SAVILLS SERVICES:
• Earth
• Economics
• LVIA
• Planning
PROJECT OUTCOMES:
• Local Plan Promotion
• Vision Document
Our Sustainability Toolkit helps us enable our clients to establish clear sustainability objectives from early project stages. It is at this stage of setting ‘pen to paper’, that we integrate circular design strategies to help unlock sites for development. Working through the early stages of circular design is now essential to ensure these principles are translated into valuable actions.
Whether we are engaging in an infrastructure or landscape-led approach, working with communities to co-design solutions at any scale, we consciously integrate circular economy principles into our delivery approaches.
INTEGRATING NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS
RETHINKING INFRASTRUCTURE APPROACHES
INTELLIGENT RETROFITTING & RE-USE
HORSHAM,
Following initial feasibility studies, Savills produced a detailed masterplan for circa 300 homes, conversion of an art deco office building with careful retrofit, 269,000 sqft of research and development employment space, mixed-use local centre, and space for innovation and knowledge exchange.
Following extensive public consultation, a planning application was submitted, which included detailed drawings for building interventions and a design code.
Savills oversaw the development partner procurement process with the Studio advising on the quality criteria and interviewing process. Reserved matters are now underway.
CLIENT: West Sussex County Council
2017 - 2021
OTHER SAVILLS SERVICES:
• Building Consultancy
• Development
• Planning
• Science PROJECT OUTCOMES:
• Outline Planning Application
• Design Code
• Implementation Strategy
Berewood is a responsive addition to the adjoining settlement of Waterlooville, with 2,550 new homes, 15ha of employment, a health centre, community centre, two schools, nursery, elderly care, and a mixed-use village centre. A new town park integrates the new and old communities, as a focus to a web of green infrastructure. This includes options for food growing via allotments, small-scale community gardens, and informal food growing in the landscape. The Code and masterplan evolved via community engagement, including workshops, open days, neighbourhood forums, and interactive exhibitions.
Planning was granted in March 2012, with almost eight phases completed. Savills continues to oversee the phased implementation of the Code.
CLIENT: Grainger plc
2009 - Present
OTHER SAVILLS SERVICES:
• Development
• Economics
• Housing
• Planning PROJECT OUTCOMES:
• Outline + Phase 1 Approval
• Endorsed Design Code
• Ongoing Phases and Code Updates
Our illustrative masterplan creates a strong vision for this contaminated former chemical works site adjoining the River Weaver. The complex nature of the site, together with its neighbouring heritage assets and river frontage required a sensitive design approach.
The scheme has been developed via extensive engagement with stakeholders and the regional design review panel to create a catalyst for wider regeneration of the area.
Innovative approaches to sustainability are embedded within the scheme, including the use of excess heat from adjacent TATA operations to be used as a district heating system for the new housing.
CLIENT:
TATA Chemicals Europe
Inovyn & Gladman Land
2017 - Present
OTHER SAVILLS SERVICES:
• Earth
• Economics
• LVIA
• Planning PROJECT OUTCOMES:
• Outline Planning Application
• Green Infrastructure Strategy
• Townscape Impact Assessment
AUSTELL, CORNWALL
Savills was appointed as lead consultants for the submitting an outline planning application for a new ‘eco-community’ on a disused clay mine. Our work included the production of a viable masterplan to include 1,100 new homes with associated village centre, green infrastructure, education, employment and leisure facilities.
Our approach paid particular attention to the management and use of the extensive open areas which could not be developed. Our work also included the production of a Green Infrastructure Strategy, Landscape and Visual Impact chapter, extensive community / stakeholder engagement events and design codes.
CLIENT: Cornwall Council, Homes & Communities Agency 2013 - 2017
OTHER SAVILLS SERVICES:
• Development
• EIA
• Landscape Design/LVIA
• Planning
PROJECT OUTCOMES:
• Outline Planning Application
• Design Code
• Phased Implementation
Savills Urban Design Studio was lead consultant for the design and implementation of the regeneration of Kettering town centre. An Area Action Plan was produced with a range of development and public realm projects, including the historic Market Place, Sheep Street and Market Street. This forms part of a wider project including the drafting of the Local Development Framework (LDF) and supplementary evidence including a Public Realm Strategy, Arts Strategy and Wayfinding Strategy.
Leading a team of consultants covering transport, civil and electrical engineers, public art, lighting and cost consultants, Savills landscape created a high quality vibrant civic space for the town centre, kickstarting the regeneration of surrounding uses.
CLIENT:
Kettering Borough Council & Northants. County Council 2009 - 2015
OTHER SAVILLS SERVICES:
• Landscape Planning/ Design
• Planning PROJECT OUTCOMES:
• Area Action Plan
• Design Guidance
• Public Realm Design
“Can
I put on record how impressed I am as to the quality, detail and general approach you and your team have provided to the Consortium Members throughout the process of Masterplanning and generally the project. You and your team are a real credit to Savills and should be recognised as such”
Andrew Maclaren
Taylor Wimpey Midlands, Feb 2019
Langley SUE, Sutton Coldfield