Chinese journalists draw on UCL's urban renewal expertise during Bloomsbury visit

The team were conducting a series of interviews with experts from The Bartlett, UCL's Faculty of the Built Environment as part of a research project focused on urban vitality, regeneration, smart cities and innovation. UCL was one stop on a busy European tour for the delegation, who had flown in from Barcelona the previous night and were set to head to Hamburg in the coming days. 

The visit to UCL began with a guided tour of the Bloomsbury campus, where journalists were shown key landmarks including the Main Quad, the Student Centre, the Library and the UCL Bartlett School of Architecture. Led by a student ambassador, the tour included a brief introduction to the history of UCL and The Bartlett.

UCL researchers then took part in a question-and-answer session, where they discussed how contemporary London balances preserving historical and cultural heritage with enhancing urban functions and improving the quality of life for its residents.

Professor Peter Rees (UCL Bartlett School of Planning) drew on his vast experience as Head of Planning for the City of London, while Professor Xi Liang (UCL Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction) offered insight into sustainability practices in both London and Guangzhou, China.

Speaking after the visit, Professor Rees said: “The journalists’ visit allowed us to share insights into urban regeneration projects and discuss the challenges and opportunities cities like London and Guangzhou face in balancing heritage preservation, sustainability and modern development.”  

The interview also explored future trends in regeneration, particularly in large, historically significant cities like London and Guangzhou, and how urban planning can revitalise central urban areas. UCL experts shared their thoughts on what the biggest obstacles in the way of urban regeneration are, and how other cities can learn from both the successes and the mistakes made in London.

Nanfang Daily is one of the most influential newspapers in Southern China and focuses mainly on the region's news, reflected in its name, "Nanfang," which means "South" in Mandarin Chinese. 

Based in Guangzhou, a key city in the Greater Bay Area linking Hong Kong and Macau, Nanfang Daily frequently features expert op-eds on making Guangzhou more innovative and enhancing its political and economic importance. The paper is known for its in-depth analysis of policy, economic developments, and social trends.

The visit included six employees from Nanfang Daily, accompanied by a translator and members of the China-Britain Business Council, who helped facilitate the trip.

UCL is one of several London locations the delegation plans to visit during their stay in London. From the School of Architecture, they headed for the King’s Cross regeneration area and are due to see the Stratford Olympic Park and UCL East later in the trip.

Professor Rees added: “I hope this visit will serve as the foundation for a strong and lasting relationship between UCL and Nanfang Daily. It was an engaging exchange of ideas, and I’m thrilled by their interest in our work." 

Links

• Professor Peter Rees' academic profile
• Professor Xi Liang's academic profile
• UCL Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction
• UCL Bartlett School of Planning
• UCL Bartlett School of Architecture
• The Barlett Faculty of the Built Environment

Images

1. Professor Peter Rees and Professor Xi Liang are joined at the UCL Bartlett School of Architecture by the Nanfang team and representatives from the China-Britain Business Council
2. Professor Peter Rees
3. Professor Xi Liang
4. Professor Peter Rees with Nanfang's interpreter and two of the Nanfang journalists

Media contact

Tom Cramp

E: t.cramp@ucl.ac.uk