Almost one month into Andy Burnham's time as Prime Minister, we keep coming back to the same thought. Almost everything he has set out in his first speeches is what we are already trying to build in Lancaster. The question that matters to us, and the one we want to focus on here, is whether it can be delivered.

In one sentence, we can probably sum up Mr Burnham's first month in the top job as follows:

"Economic growth, public service reform and social renewal are best achieved by giving people and places more power, more skills and more control over the services that affect their lives."

His early speeches have centred on a few clear themes that follow from that: a “circuit-breaker for Britain” and a new political model, a more active use of public procurement to back British jobs and skills; more support for young people into work; power pushed out to every region and community; and health, with social care in particular, treated as a central mission of government. Taken together, it reads as a shift of power, money and control closer to the places that services are meant to serve, and we agree with almost all of it.

Here is how the four parts look from our vantage point.

For decades, the old brewery site on Brewery Lane has sat largely empty. What was once a working part of Lancaster's industrial history became, over time, a derelict site vandalised, deteriorating, and largely written off. Over the last 20 years, previous attempts to redevelop it have fallen through and the site has continued to sit as an abandoned site in the heart of the city centre. 

Today, on behalf of Lanmara Developments (a joint venture between Marco Living and Axis-RE), marks the start of a public consultation on proposals to transform the 3-acre site into a vibrant mixed-use destination: homes, healthcare, education, hospitality and culture, alongside new public space connecting the site to Lancaster's city centre and the canal. 

This is the first time the full masterplan has been shared publicly, and we’re pleased to share the details of what's being proposed, why, and what happens next. 

As part of Axis-RE’s participation in Cannes as part of Place North’s MIPIM delegation in conjunction with our partner (Marco Living) we took part in a panel debate alongside local authorities to highlight the ability of small and medium sized businesses to innovate, build community support and deliver projects that respond directly to local needs.

There were representatives from Wigan Council, Newcastle City Council, Blackpool Council and St Helens Council with the session chaired by Place North’s, Julia Hatmaker.

As part of Axis-RE’s participation in Cannes as part of Place North’s MIPIM delegation we took part in a panel debate about creating places that thrive for generations - How to Build a New Town.

Alongside Salford City Council, UK Innovation Corridor, Muse and WSP and chaired by Place North’s, Julia Hatmaker, there was plenty of audience participation in a lively discussion on what the key characteristics and components of a successful ‘New Town’ should be.

Teaming up with Place North, the developers will be showcasing their £100m plans for Brewery Lane in Lancaster to a global audience at the Cannes property convention.

MIPIM will see more than 20,000 built environment professionals from both the public and private sectors gather in the South of France for a week of networking, best practice exchanges, and investment deals.

On behalf of Lanmara Developments Ltd (LDL), Axis-RE and Marco Living have announced the first look at their masterplan for the regeneration of Brewery Lane, a three-acre site within Lancaster’s Canal Quarter.

The scheme has been shaped through ongoing dialogue with local stakeholders, cultural partners, and neighbouring landowners, aligning with the Canal Quarter Masterplan SPD and supporting the wider Lancashire Growth Plan.

Marco Living and Axis-RE are pleased to announce that Kanteena will remain in its current location while we develop our comprehensive masterplan for the Brewery Lane site, with plans underway for a permanent cultural venue that will enhance Lancaster's offering.

Shortlists Revealed for Lancashire Property Awards 2025

Whether it’s policy announcements or roundtable discussions, the national housing conversation is shifting, and fast. This summer, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced a £39bn affordable housing programme, with 60% of the 300,000 planned homes to be delivered through social rent. It’s an ambitious public housing investment and marks the start of what the government is calling a “decade of renewal.”

Marco Living and Axis-RE are taking essential safety measures at the Brewery Lane site as an essential first step to prioritise public safety while enabling the delivery of our wider community-focused development strategy for Lancaster.

Axis-RE and Marco Living have completed the purchase of a landmark site in Lancaster city centre, marking a move that unlocks one of the region’s most significant regeneration opportunities.

Sustainable mixed-use developments are often described as the future of urban regeneration. Dynamic spaces where people can live, work and unwind in close proximity. But in practice, many of these schemes fall short.

With approximately 12 months remaining until practical completion, The Joinery’s construction journey continues to progress well in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Since breaking ground at the end of 2023, our team has made excellent progress, with the superstructure now virtually complete across the site and several more trades commenced.

The property sector is filled with bold claims, but Axis stands apart. Founded by an experienced and values-led leadership team, we operate with the mindset that development should be both commercially successful and socially responsible. With combined expertise spanning decades, what truly sets us apart is a shared vision: real estate that enhances communities rather than disrupts them.

Axis RE and Marco Living have agreed a deal with Singapore-listed real estate company City Developments to fund 1NQ, a 261-apartment scheme in the Northern Quarter. City Developments, which has paid £75.6m for NQ1, its fourth PRS project in the UK.

In rural Pakistan, losing vision often means losing your livelihood, your independence, and your family's financial security. That's why we're proud to support Sight for Life, a charity which works to combat optical disease in rural Punjab, Pakistan.

Building Tomorrow Together - unlocking the delivery of social and affordable housing in Manchester. Russ and I joined a fascinating roundtable last week by GGMC and Fran Darlington, which aims to unlock the delivery of social housing and genuinely affordable housing.

Plans have been submitted for a new 162-bedroom lifestyle hotel at 1-13 Frodsham Street in Chester city centre.

AXIS-RE has been working with its client Altered Spaces for a number of years providing development and funding advice to support their ambitions to regenerate Stanley Square in Sale Town Centre.

Regeneration Brainery is a hugely worthwhile initiative set up to help provide the next generation of young people with an understanding of the variety of options available to them to access a career in real estate.