North West Insider Media retrofit roundtable highlights shift towards experience led design
North West Commercial Retrofit Roundtable participants. Image credit: Insider Media
John Williams, Founder and Director at SpaceInvader, recently joined industry leaders at Insider Media’s North West Commercial Retrofit Roundtable, contributing to a wide-ranging discussion on how retrofit is being delivered in practice across the region.
Bringing together landlords, developers and solutions providers at Eden in Salford, the roundtable focused on practical, deliverable strategies to support retrofit across the city region. A consistent theme throughout the discussion was the growing recognition that retrofit can act as a competitive advantage, rather than simply a response to compliance or regulation.
Data shared during the session highlighted both the challenge and the opportunity. While a relatively small proportion of buildings account for a significant share of emissions, there is clear progress being made, with many assets already achieving stronger EPC ratings and others moving towards refurbishment and retrofit strategies. However, the conversation also made clear that improving building performance is only part of the picture.
A key shift emerging from the discussion is the need to think beyond fabric and systems. While interventions such as lighting upgrades, HVAC improvements and energy management systems remain essential, the long-term success of retrofit projects increasingly depends on how buildings are experienced by their users.
As John highlighted, the value of a building is shaped over time through how people use it, return to it and engage with it. Creating places that encourage longer dwell times and stronger connections ultimately enhances both commercial performance and long-term asset value.
This perspective was echoed across the roundtable, particularly in relation to heritage and existing buildings. Retaining and revealing the character of these spaces can play a key role in attracting occupiers, offering something distinct in an increasingly competitive market. Storytelling, identity and placemaking are becoming just as important as technical performance.
The discussion also pointed to the importance of collaboration between landlords, tenants and design teams. While landlords continue to invest in building fabric and systems, a significant proportion of emissions and performance outcomes are influenced by occupier behaviour. Ensuring that spaces are intuitive to use, well-managed and supported by clear communication is critical to unlocking their full potential.
Practical challenges remain, from cost and viability to planning constraints and evolving legislation. However, there was a shared sense that retrofit is becoming embedded as a core part of development strategy, rather than an optional layer. As energy costs rise and expectations shift, the ability to reposition existing buildings effectively will be key to future success.
At SpaceInvader, this aligns with an ongoing focus on creating people-centred environments through retrofit. By combining technical upgrades with a strong emphasis on user experience, projects can deliver more than compliance, supporting buildings that perform better both environmentally and commercially over time.
Read the full Insider Media roundtable →