7 June 2022

Milligan joins forces with Urban Splash to revitalise UK towns and cities

We have long admired the creative and long-term approach of Urban splash and we first talked about doing something together over 15 years ago, so it has taken a while to put our first JV together! But the timing couldn’t be better.

John Milligan, CEO

We’re pleased to announce that we’ve teamed up with regeneration company Urban Splash to find UK regeneration projects that will benefit from our combined skills, experience and an innovative approach.

The first project will be alongside Swansea Council to redevelop Swansea Central North, a key location in Swansea’s regeneration masterplan.

Urban Splash is famed for its work transforming disused buildings and unloved spaces across the country; the business was established three decades ago and has won 450 awards for its commitment to great design, architecture and regeneration. Milligan meanwhile, is well known for its retail and leisure credentials having worked on and developed innovative and ground-breaking projects across the UK, Spain, and Portugal over the last 20 years.

Like Urban Splash, we believe that collaboration between the public and private sectors is key to unlocking regeneration in towns and cities. Collaboration within the private sector allows local authorities to benefit from the very best talent and expertise as they grapple with the challenges of delivering long term meaningful regeneration.

John Milligan, CEO of Milligan said, “We have long admired the creative and long-term approach of Urban splash and we first talked about doing something together over 15 years ago, so it has taken a while to put our first JV together! But the timing couldn’t be better. Now more than ever as we redefine our physical spaces and create new town centre destinations, agility and diverse thinking will help us create enduring places.

“Swansea is a city where a major regeneration programme is already under way, so we’re delighted to be working with Urban Splash and Swansea Council on such a key site in its city centre. As a city, Swansea has so much potential.

“There are other key locations in the UK too where we feel the two businesses could produce an innovative and exciting solution.”

Nathan Cornish is director at Urban Splash and added: “We’re always looking for great partners. Collaboration of this kind is something we’ve long engaged in, with a great track record in working with strategic partners like Places for People, Pears Group, and Peel L&P. Milligan is a very well-respected retail and leisure specialist which complements our offer.”

Concluded Tom Bloxham MBE, Chairman and founder of Urban Splash: “For almost three decades now, Urban Splash has worked hard to transform the fortunes of towns and cities, breathing new life into places through applying great design ideas, and working with the local community to create beautiful buildings and spaces that are sustainable for all.

“We are incredibly excited about teaming up with Milligan who will bring expertise in leisure, commerce and market curation which as a complete offer, provides the type of innovative thinking local authorities will need as they embark on town centre transformations.”

We are now seeking opportunities with pro-active Local Authorities across the UK keen to benefit from our combined experience, skillsets, bespoke and innovative approaches to creating and developing places.

Pictured: Tom Bloxham, Founder and Chairman of Urban Splash with John Milligan.

Image – Stefan Hanegraaf