Here’s the translation to American English:
The presentation “Reimagining Global Business Districts: Mixed-use Identity and Urban Integration” was held at Fira Barcelona as part of The District 2025, a highly relevant real estate event in Southern Europe. Moderated by Clara Herrero-Earl, Senior Consultant for Retail High Street at Laborde Marcet, this session provided a space to analyze the transformations that business districts are undergoing in response to the increasing demand for housing and new lifestyles in metropolitan environments.
During the talk, the focus was on how the major business districts around the world are redefining their strategic role, transitioning from single-use work areas to becoming multifunctional and sustainable urban spaces. The integration of offices, housing, retail, and cultural and recreational spaces is already a reality that fosters a more effective connection with the urban and social fabric.
Simon Chinn, Vice President of Research and Advisory Services for Europe at the Urban Land Institute (ULI), underscored the urgent need to reconsider the role of these districts as promoters of urban regeneration. In the face of an economic landscape characterized by volatility and geopolitical challenges, he emphasized the necessity of adapting to a hybrid work model that has emerged post-pandemic.
Chinn also stressed that Central Business Districts (CBDs) are shedding their image as spaces exclusively dedicated to work, evolving into urban destinations where culture and leisure play a significant role. To achieve this, property owners must embrace the concept of “complete place,” which incorporates the cultural and recreational environment surrounding their properties, thereby increasing the area’s value.
The event highlighted crucial criteria that businesses consider when evaluating the attractiveness of these districts, such as the ability to attract and retain talent, multimodal connectivity, and environmental quality. However, concerns also arose about housing affordability and the cost of living—factors that threaten the competitiveness of these environments; 46% of companies acknowledged these issues as significant concerns.
Clara Herrero-Earl concluded the session by highlighting emerging trends that are redefining the future of the commercial real estate sector. This landscape is characterized by a growing consolidation of hybrid and multifunctional spaces, where not only economic productivity is prioritized, but also urban resilience, quality of life, and long-term sustainability.
via: MiMub in Spanish