Creating Equitable Mixed-Use Destinations Through Innovative ESG Strategies

Developers and property consultants must deliver more than buildings. Our work is to craft places that resonate with people, respect culture, and support sustainable futures. When placemaking aligns with strong ESG strategies, destinations become more than developments; they become communities that thrive.

A Shift in Development Thinking

The industry is evolving, and expectations are higher than ever. Real estate is no longer simply about construction; it is about creating frameworks where people connect and culture flourishes. Research shows that schemes which fail to put people at the centre rarely create lasting value (CBRE).

At Astral Placemaking Group, we work with developers to ensure that cultural identity, community input and sustainability are embedded from the outset. We do this not only through strategy but also by delivering activations, marketing campaigns and experience centres that bring a development’s vision to life.

Community Engagement and Social Value

Successful placemaking begins by listening. Consultations, co-design sessions and events give local voices influence over how spaces evolve. Our team specialises in designing active and gamified planning sessions that make these consultations meaningful and engaging. When people feel they have contributed, they become invested advocates.

Evidence from London shows that well-designed public spaces increase residents’ sense of belonging (ResearchGate). To strengthen these relationships, we create programmes that integrate local businesses, artists and entrepreneurs. This can range from public realm activations and cultural installations to grassroots sponsorship and community events, all of which celebrate the character of the area.

Projects like Elephant Park and East Village have proven how shared spaces, play areas and cultural assets can bring communities together. Our role is to support developers in reaching this outcome through targeted campaigns, PR initiatives, and curated events that connect with people on a deeper level.

Circular Economy in Practice

Applying circular economy principles allows developments to reduce waste while delivering social and environmental benefits. Repurposing surplus materials can create new assets that enhance community life.

Astral Placemaking Group often incorporates these principles into projects by working with local artists and craftspeople to repurpose materials into seating, pop-up retail, interactive art, and community gardens. This approach embeds sustainability into the fabric of the place while creating spaces people use and value.

Preserving Green Spaces

Green areas provide more than visual appeal. They support public health, improve air quality and reduce urban heat. Even short visits to natural environments have been shown to lower stress and improve mental wellbeing (Taylor & Francis).

We advise developers on how to integrate green infrastructure, from parks and rooftop gardens to biodiversity-friendly landscaping. These spaces are enhanced through community engagement, such as allotments or outdoor events, which we help design and activate to strengthen their use and value.

Addressing Gentrification with Purpose

Regeneration should not erase the culture that makes a place unique. Environmental gentrification, where property values rise without community protections, has been seen in projects like New York’s High Line (Wikipedia).

We work with clients to ensure regeneration enriches rather than displaces. This includes running community consultations, delivering targeted marketing that respects local identity, and designing long-term strategies for affordable cultural and event spaces. These efforts preserve belonging while allowing developments to evolve.

The Value of Placemaking

Placemaking delivers both social and commercial value. Neighbourhood vitality and walkability alone can account for more than 20 percent of housing value in European cities (arXiv). Research by CBRE and RICS confirms that high-quality placemaking improves happiness, strengthens community ties and drives stronger returns (CBRE).

Astral Placemaking Group supports this value creation not only through strategy but through implementation. We build immersive experience centres, curate PR and marketing campaigns that tell the story of a place, and manage events that attract audiences and foster long-term connections.

Human-Centred Destinations

Human experience is at the core of every successful development. By combining customer profiling, insights and research with targeted campaigns, we ensure that the destinations we work on resonate with both the immediate community and the wider market. Interactive spaces, cultural programming and ongoing events weave together stories that keep places relevant and alive.

A Call to Action

Our responsibility as property professionals goes beyond financial outcomes. Every project is an opportunity to create somewhere that connects, inspires and endures. By embedding ESG principles with creativity and purpose, we deliver developments that protect the environment, nurture communities and respect cultural heritage.

King’s Cross, Elephant Park and East Village show what is possible when social value and sustainability guide the process. The challenge now is to keep moving forward and choose approaches that benefit both the projects we deliver and the people who shape them.

Expert Insight

"At Astral Placemaking Group, we believe places thrive when they are created with people at their core. ESG strategies provide the framework, but it is how you activate them that defines success. Our work goes beyond strategy; we deliver public realm activations, build immersive experience centres, and curate marketing campaigns that amplify the story of a place. We run community consultations, including gamified planning sessions, leaflet drops and events, to ensure local voices are part of the process. Alongside this, we undertake customer profiling, research, PR and insight-led campaigns to connect developments with their audiences. When communities feel engaged from the start, they become the strongest advocates for the destinations we create." – Jade Hall, Founding Director, Astral Placemaking Group

Ready to Create a Place with Purpose?

If you are developing or managing a destination and want to ensure it resonates with people, drives engagement and leaves a lasting legacy, get in touch with Astral Placemaking Group. Together, we can transform your vision into a place that truly connects.

Contact us to start the conversation.