Delivering town centre regeneration,
turnaround strategy and placemaking
through the lens of unique identity,
health, wellbeing, and culture.
Born in 2021, in the aftermath of the pandemic, Whatif… began with a simple belief: there's a better, more human way to shape our towns and cities.
Decades of experience in the public and private sectors allows us to appreciate both sides, identify value propositions for both, build trust and allow for faster delivery of the end game. We have seen many failures and success. We know every place needs a unique solution, there is no silver bullet.
We act with imagination, creativity and purpose — knowing that every choice can create ripples of change. By uniting intention with action, we're building healthier communities, stronger connections and a future we can all be proud of.
We see property as a support mechanism, not the lead.
We find and deliver needs based solutions. Health and wellbeing, civic pride, circular economies and cultural connection are what make places thrive.
Fee driven solutions, are rarely the right solutions.
People first, not property. We focus on doing the right job, not the biggest one. By uncovering the natural assets of place and people, we build stories and strategies that have purpose, sustainability and pride at their core and we help deliver them. We combine needed services with aspirational wants, creating a unique blend for the best shared experiences.
From vision to action. We don't hand over a document and walk away — we stay with you to turn strategy into reality, helping deliver, build momentum, and meaningful change. We already have a range of tools to help implement this change, including short term impact.
Better together. With deep experience across both public and private sectors, we know how to blend insight, accountability and opportunity to create shared success through balanced risk and reward.
Health is the new economy. We embed wellbeing into the heart of every project, redefining redundant retail and empty spaces into thriving, community-led health and wellbeing hubs. Economic growth improves people's wellbeing, whereas wellbeing and health of the population enhance economic growth and stability.
Growth that gives back. We champion investment that enhances — not exploits — communities. Ethical capitalism is simply a different mindset, one that values long-term stewardship, allowing short term milestone gains that combine community and financial outcomes. It is not hard or expensive you just have to think differently from the outset.
Culture connects people and place. Through our WellPlaced initiative (with The ArtHouse and supported by Arts Council England and Historic England), we use art as a catalyst for regeneration, filling empty spaces with creativity and connection. Art for everyone is a proven tool of regeneration, community engagement and building place partnerships.
Turning opportunity into impact. Our expertise across sectors helps identify value others miss — aligning opportunity with local strategy, character and need. Aligning public and private sector thinking can often turbo charge the outcomes.
The right people for the right jobs. Via our network of public and private sector, we curate expert partnerships to deliver from start to finish — from strategic thinking to tangible results. Refer to "This is Us" page to see a few of our associate Consultants.
Whatif…new model of accessible, community health — reimagining surplus retail as integrated health and wellbeing hubs, uniting NHS, local authority and private partners to accelerate prevention, promote innovation and reignite civic pride.
Whatif…are appointed on a workstream exploring new health and wellbeing business options for one of the UK's leading science parks — a 1m sq.ft campus on 400 acres of countryside.
Whatif…consulted on the creation of a Housing Association for the Church of England, building the right partnerships and delivery model to bring it to life.
Whatif…supporting the national roll-out of STACK — vibrant community and entertainment hubs — by identifying sites, securing funding and navigating partnerships and grant funding where applicable.
Whatif…are assisting this visionary development company in navigating and unlocking opportunities with public and private sector partners on a Nationwide basis, including London.
Whatif…worked for 18 months on devising a strategy for the re-invention of the former Lowry Outlet Mall(now Quayside) and better aligning it with the growth and strategy of MediaCityUK and Salford Quays. We advised and assisted in the delivery of a new major waterfront development, a University building for UCFB and delivered a strategy re-focussing the asset away from its reliance on retail to a more mixed use, town centre scheme.
Co-Founder
30+ years in retail, leisure and town centre real estate. Former Director at NewRiver REIT Plc, Senior Fellow of the Institute of Place Management.
Co-Founder
30+ years in local government leadership. Former Executive Director for Place at Middlesbrough, instrumental in the city's economic growth recognition.
Development Director
30+ years in land use and development projects. Chartered Town Planner with experience at Barratt Developments and Grainger plc, expert in project delivery.
We build with purpose.
Every project starts with "why."
We co-create with communities.
We ask "what if…" and act on it.
We respect public trust and private investment.
We measure success by change that lasts.
Capture energy, community, and vibrancy — the result of regeneration.
Show the essence of regeneration — not literally a before–after split, but something that evokes revitalisation and reuse.
Reflect Whatif's wider ethos — wellbeing, circular economy, culture.
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Let's discuss how we can help transform your town centre, develop your vision, or unlock new opportunities for your community.
Ready to imagine better places together?
Nationwide UK
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM