51ÂÒÂ×

Our clients trust us to deliver in line with their broader vision, through the development, implementation and evaluation of our placemaking strategies.

Experts in creating places with purpose

We’re a collective of placemaking specialists who work alongside clients and their customers to develop tailored strategies that drive long-term value. Whether we’re revitalising an office, an urban quarter, enhancing a retail destination, or creating a new mixed-use neighbourhood, our goal is simple: to help places perform better, feel better, and do better for the people who engage with them.

Placemaking isn’t a quick win - it’s a long-term commitment. But the return on investment is undeniable: improved reputation, increased performance, and spaces that truly work for everyone.

Case Study: Placemaking vision for the Mercers' Estate in Covent Garden

The Mercers' Estate in Covent Garden is undergoing a transformative placemaking project to create an inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant environment for all stakeholders, including residents, occupiers, cultural institutions, and visitors. The process began with community engagement through workshops, surveys, and meetings to identify the needs and aspirations of local residents, occupiers, and Westminster Council.

A thorough SWOT analysis was conducted to evaluate the physical, cultural, and social characteristics of the area. Based on this, a vision was developed that emphasises cultural integration, sustainability, accessibility, and vibrancy. Key components include celebrating Covent Garden’s heritage through public art, promoting green spaces, and ensuring accessibility for all, including people with disabilities. Interactive spaces are also being created for community activities, with events like the CONNECT wellness event at The Yards, which saw a significant increase in footfall.

Designs are being implemented in partnership with the community, and continuous feedback is collected to measure the impact of changes. Evaluation metrics include occupier satisfaction, economic impact on local businesses, and footfall data to monitor space usage. The project ensures that the estate continues to evolve based on real-time feedback, fostering a dynamic and welcoming space for everyone.

Commenting on the work the 51ÂÒÂ× team have carried out, Property Director of The Mercers’ Estate Simon Taylor says: 

"Over the past five years, Lynne has expertly developed and implemented a comprehensive Placemaking, Marketing, and Community strategy for the Mercers’ Company estate. Her exceptional collaboration skills have been pivotal, not only in working with asset managers but also in engaging with our occupiers and local stakeholders to gather valuable feedback that informs our strategies.

"Lynne has played a crucial role in achieving the estate’s goals, creating a compelling and curated consumer destination in Covent Garden, and supporting the successful redevelopment and leasing of our city portfolio in Frederick’s Place. 

"Her personal commitment and genuine care for the community have truly made a difference."

Shaping spaces that matter

We create, shape and evolve dynamic places that are built around the needs of the communities they serve. By building connections between those who live, work, shop and play there, we help transform spaces into meaningful destinations with purpose and personality.

Our philosophy: people first, purpose-led

At the heart of everything we do is people. We believe that places thrive when the people who use them feel heard, included, and connected. This belief drives our collaborative and flexible approach, which is deeply rooted in the needs of the community. 

From DE&I to ESG, from thoughtful design to meaningful engagement, we bring together the best of architecture, strategy and human insight to create lasting, resilient places that drive economic and social value.

Tailored services to elevate every place

Whether you're launching a new development or looking to reimagine an existing asset, we work with you to ensure your place is vibrant, engaging, and fit for the future.

An example of our approach in action is Connect at The Yards - a one-day wellness and cultural event that brought together yoga, fitness, meditation, music, art, shopping, community, and dining across the estate. Delivered in collaboration with influencers, brand partners, and ambassadors, the event engaged over 40 brands and reached a press readership of 4.3 million. With more than 45 influencers involved, the event drove a 100% week-on-week and 79% year-on-year increase in footfall. It’s a clear demonstration of how our events and enlivenment strategies bring places to life, create buzz, and deliver measurable impact.

Turning properties into places people love

With our deep market knowledge and a human-centred approach, we are uniquely positioned to guide you through the placemaking journey.

We go beyond the traditional property lens: we see potential in every corner, listen to every stakeholder, and shape strategies that are rooted in real needs and aspirations.
Our team doesn’t just deliver places, we create destinations that leave a lasting positive impact on people, business, and the planet. Whether it's a single development or a portfolio-wide transformation, we’re ready to help you build something extraordinary.

Let’s talk

If you’re ready to unlock the full potential of your property, we’d love to hear from you.

Your key contacts:
Michael Lewis
Polly Bradshaw
Lynne Henderson
Sam Hughes

Find out more: Development Placemaking Advisory | 51ÂÒÂ× UK