Metropolitan Workshop’s Neil Deely shares his thoughts on MIPIM. As well as calling for a bolder UK presence, he discusses key projects, including work in Ireland and London, and describes what “monsters” keep him up at night.
Metropolitan Workshop’s proposal for University of East London’s (UEL) Stratford Campus at Water Lane.
How are you enjoying MIPIM?
I always enjoy MIPIM – I have been coming for the last five or six years and don’t recognise the stories of the seedier former years. I have always had a positive experience. Numbers seem much lower this year as UKREiiF grows in popularity but ironically Sadiq Kahn was out here for the first time with around 6 other London Council Leaders.
What do you hope to achieve by coming here?
It is a really good place to catch up with lots of people you already know in a short period of time. There are lots of chance encounters with people you otherwise wouldn’t happen meet.
What’s been the highlight for you?
Having dinner with former MP Greg Clarke and Govt Advisor Jackie Sadek as a guest of the awesome Jo Negrini (Arup’s Global Leader of Inclusive Cities) and spending time with the Mayor of Newham and her inspiring team.
At UEL, new buildings will knit together the university’s historic campus, replacing a vacant brownfield site and temporary lecture theatres with teaching and learning facilities and high-quality student accommodation.
If you could change one thing about MIPIM what would it be?
I’d like to see the UK Cities and particularly London present themselves with more elan and confidence. There is actually someone walking around dressed up as a Beefeater and the London stand needs to be more stimulating. As impressive as it is there are only so many times you can look at the NLA model of London. I’d also like them to place a ban on navy blue gilets!
What are you working on at the moment?
We are working on the GSK site with our friends at Hadley, a new project for University of East London in Stratford, a library for Kildare and lots of new settlements in Ireland (who are putting the UK in the shade with housing delivery).
What keeps you awake at night?
Monsters with blonde hair and red ties.
Metropolitan Workshop’s proposal for a €17 million library and cultural centre in Newbridge, Kildare. The new Kildare County Library, Archives and Cultural Centre will comprise a series of buildings that make use of a pre-existing 1930s Art Deco library while adding new spaces for archival and local collections as well as reading spaces, an events space and business suite.
