USM undertakes independent research and gives management advice on a range urban regeneration and retail related subjects

Work includes:

  • Golborne Road Strategy, 2005

    Working for the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea with BDP, we are devising a strategy for the future of this well known street. It is located at the North end of Portobello Road in North Kensington, London. The work is split between business planning and physical issues.

  • Barnsley Markets Strategy, 2003 – 2004

    Yorkshire Forward employed USM to work on the details of the town centre redevelopment following Will Alsop’s strategy. We undertook a review of the markets in the town centre and fed our views into the development process.

  • Freeform, 2003

    Undertook a business plan for the marketing and letting of 6 recently converted railway arches to produce an income for this arts charity.

  • Freeform, 2002

    We devised a strategy for the re—use of 6 railway arches and the provision of new workspace at their Hot House development in Hackney.

  • Doncaster Markets Strategy, 2002

    As part of the Yorkshire Forwards’ Initiative on redeveloping the town centre, we undertook a review of the market operation and proposed 2 main options for the future of the markets. This is being taken forward as part of the overall town centre strategy.

  • Newcastle upon Tyne, 2000

    Part of team led by Equity Partnerships, which assessed the future of the markets and associated historic buildings.

  • Roman Road, London, 2000

    Part of team led by URBED assessing the future of the Roman Road shopping centre in East London.

  • Royal Victoria Place, London, 1999— ongoing

    Gave design and marketing advice to Peabody Trust on their retail area in the West Silvertown Urban Village. This recommended dividing the space to small units. Subsequently USM have been responsible for lettings and management.

  • Wandsworth, London, 1998

    Undertook a study to advise on the future of street trading in the Borough. This has had a positive impact on street trading.

  • Wood Green, London, 1997—8

    Part of a team led by Gillespies assembling an arts lottery bid for the town centre area.

  • Wakefield Waterfront, 1997

    Worked as part of team ABROS and DTZ Debenham Thorpe to inject life into part of the waterfront area and redundant buildings in Wakefield.

  • Ancoats Urban Village, 1997

    Part of team led by Grimleys assessing viability of new urban village in Ancoats, Manchester.

  • Newham Millennium Festival, 1996—7

    Advised LB Newham on their millennium celebrations.

  • Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, 1996—9

    Project management advice and consultancy to the Garden City Trust on town centre regeneration and implementing proposals.

  • Candleriggs Regeneration, Glasgow, 1996

    Advised new owners on creating a new destination.

  • Gravesend Market, Kent, 1996

    Study on improving Gravesham BC’s market.

  • Northern Quarter, Manchester, 1996

    Study for City of Manchester Council on the refurbishment of the old Fish Market buildings and Smithfield site.

  • Hulme Regeneration, Manchester, 1995—9

    Devised a masterplan for Hulme High Street with ABK Architects and Groupe Geraud. Since that time the masterplan has been adopted and a market hall has been constructed.

  • Pall Mall House, Northern Quarter, Manchester, 1994—5

    Devising concept, project management and letting mixed use scheme for owner developer.

  • Greenwich Markets, London, 1995

    Study for Greenwich Waterfront Development Partnership on the future of the markets in historic Greenwich.

  • Harlesden Town Centre, London, 1995

    Study with URBED for Harlesden City Challenge, on the health and future of the town centre.

  • Brixton Town Centre, London, 1994

    Study with Civic Trust Regeneration Unit, on the health and future of the town centre.

  • Gravesend High Street, Kent, 1994—6

    Strategic advice and setting up of a Community Development Trust for High Street regeneration scheme.

  • Albert Dock, Liverpool, 1994—5

    Advised owners on a range of regeneration and promotional issues.

  • Borough Wholesale Market, London, 1994—5

    Studies (I & II) for the Trustees of the Borough Market, investigating the feasibility of creating a retail market.

  • Woolwich Arsenal, London, 1994

    Study with ICE and Drivers Jonas on the future of the site.

  • Leyton Town Centre & Temple Mills, London, 1992

    Study with Urban Cultures Ltd, for British Rail Property Board.

  • Peckham Town Centre Retail, London, 1991

    Study with URBED for LB Southwark.

  • Hounslow Town Centre, London, 1991

    Study for LB Hounslow.

  • Leeds Canal Basin, Leeds, 1988

    A joint venture between USM and the British Waterways Board, in which USM developed a workshop and market area in the arches beneath the cities railway station.