News and thought

News and insight on the challenges of our time

Rethinking Place Visioning and Masterplanning

The UK housing crisis is not simply a numbers game. While building more homes is vital, the real challenge lies in delivering sustainable, inclusive, and thriving communities that people want to live in.

David Skidmore

1.4.25

Video

Ashton Old Baths, a case study film that shows how imaginative repurposing has saved this great building.

MCAU working with Tameside MBC, show here how an innovative design solution integrating multiple uses has brought back to life this former public baths and Grade II* listed building that was empty for 40 years and permanently on the heritage at risk register.‍

David Skidmore

29.3.25

Opinion

Reimagining the UK’s Failing Shopping Centres: A New Vision for Vibrant Town Centres

Across the UK, shopping centres are in decline. Changing retail habits, online shopping, and economic pressures have caused most small and mid-sized malls to struggle with vacant units and dwindling footfall. But these failing retail spaces present a great opportunity.

Dan Anderson

27.3.25

Opinion

Revitalising the UK’s Empty Listed Buildings: A Commercial and Design-Led Approach

Countless listed buildings stand idle and empty around the UK – slowly falling into disrepair and blighting their surroundings. These architectural and historical landmarks hold immense cultural value, yet their preservation is often at odds with harsh realities.

Jim Roberts

25.3.25

Video

MCAU are working with Together Housing Group and their charity Newground Together at Shadsworth, Blackburn

A project about creating places that contribute to the long-term needs of a community in a more disadvantaged part of the UK, which is part of £30m of investment in new and existing homes, a new park, and a new community centre featured in this short film.

Sarah Renshaw

1.2.25

What sets MCAU apart  is our integrated service offer.

We blend community engagement, place visioning, urbanism and architecture to provide a ‘vision-to-fruition’ service. Services are deployed individually or holistically to respond to the demands of any given project.