As 2025 comes to a close, we’re looking ahead to what 2026 might bring for the built environment, culture, politics and society. Green shoots emerging across the built environment, an upending of the political landscape, the impact of the Towns of Culture initiative, smarter ways of working and the evolving role of influencers are just some of the trends, shifts and opportunities we expect to see in the year ahead.
Ros Barclay, Co-Founder Director
Dare I say ‘green shoots’? I’m very much expecting and hoping for some macro-economic stability in 2026, as well as further recovery in the retail sector. Not to mention the further (and welcomed) rise of YIMBYISM, as well as planning reforms which meaningfully speed-up the delivery of new homes.
Hannah Channing, Director
If cautious optimism was the expectation at the start of 2025, then 2026 feels like the year of hopeful realism. Or, perhaps, pragmatic positivity. The challenges are real: viability pressures are biting, affordable housing targets are being pared back, and economic uncertainty continues to impact progress.
But there’s also a quiet confidence building. Across the industry, we’re seeing strategic, more collaborative partnerships emerge which is proof that innovation isn’t just about tech or materials but about mindset. Models like those being pioneered by Muse, with Habiko and English Cities Fund, and JTRE London with its partnership with Southwark Charities on new almshouses that break ground in Q1 next year, show how the sector is rethinking delivery to balance commercial realities with genuine social value.
Kelly Kerruish, Associate Director
As the bids to win the inaugural Town of Culture get underway in 2026, I expect to see much-needed attention finally afforded to cultural placemaking in our towns, provinces and rural areas. Whilst cities such as Liverpool, Glasgow and Bradford are rightly celebrated for having successfully galvanised city authorities, the private sector, community groups and cultural organisations to collaborate on the transformation of these places into powerhouses of art, music and theatre, less publicity is given to smaller towns investing in their creative communities and delivering cultural programmes that build identity and tell local stories – often with fewer resources and smaller budgets.
I like to think this will change in 2026 and beyond and that we will hear much more about towns such as Eastbourne and Margate (my money is on Margate for the prize), where new museums and cultural institutions are receiving huge investment, and learn for example, more about the distinctive arts scene in Stroud, or the literary heritage of Hay-on-Wye. Undoubtedly, this awareness will help sustain the high streets of these towns, attract tourists and support local amenities, but I hope it will also wake the nation up to the importance of cherishing, sustaining and investing in our local cultural fabric.
Miranda Harrington, Senior Account Manager
For 2026, I predict that we will see the role of the influencer become further legitimised. This is foregrounded by Borough Market’s recent ban on influencers filming without permits, which puts them in the ‘professional filming’ category alongside traditional film crews. As the influencer category becomes more professional and defined, I think we will see those that create authentic and relatable content enjoy the most success.
In an increasingly digital world, I think we will also start to see a demand for media and content that people can physically hold and own, such as magazines, paper books, CDs and records.
Neha Iyer, Account Manager
I believe in 2026, we will see more BID and similar community models emerge, with people seeking out a greater sense of community from their places of work and residence. With 2025 having been turbulent and isolating in many ways, as well as the ongoing cost-of-living affecting consumer behaviour, people will look for activations, leisure and social connection close to the areas they already spend most time rather than going further afield.
Edward Poynton, Junior Account Manager
My big prediction for next year, and I always like to be right, is that we are going to see a massive upending of the political landscape at a local level come May. Reform, a minnow not two years ago, will take 100s and possibly 1000s of seats at the local elections, and the Green Party in their current state will likely hurt Labour badly in places like London.
Not so much a prediction but a nailed-on certainty is that Wales is going to a see a new party in power in the Senedd for the first time, with Welsh Labour looking towards a punishing election. It’s a neck-and-neck race between Plaid Cymru and Reform but, through coalition or outright majority, I think my money is on Plaid.
Humzah Ali, Account Executive
Inspired by the 2026 London Festival of Architecture’s theme of “Belonging”, I’m excited to see cultural communications and placemaking move beyond physical design toward inspiring shared experiences and collective identity. Public spaces will perhaps increasingly become platforms for creativity, connection and co-creation shaped by the communities who use them rather than their physical design.
