The in-depth MyCity report uncovers the trends shaping the future of cities, including Edinburgh, London, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and Leeds, and highlights a series of calls to action for investors, developers, occupiers and local authorities to maximise the success of the city.

Key predictions for Edinburgh include:-

• Age-appropriate housing will be needed to support the city’s growing and ageing population.
• The 20-minute neighbourhood agenda will be rolled out.
• St James Quarter will continue to enhance the retail and leisure pull of the city.
• The city will achieve its 2030 net zero ambition.
• Targeted housing interventions will help to deliver affordable and accessible housing.
• New hybrid living and working dynamics will ensure the city will thrive as a desirable location for those with employment or residential status elsewhere.
• Edinburgh will live up to its name as the UK’s most AI-ready city outside of London.
• The tram system will extend out to Granton Waterfront and Newcraighall.
• Life sciences and tech sectors will continue to flourish.
• Tourism will sustain and new experiential attractions will bring people from around the world.

MyCity was launched in Edinburgh in front of a packed audience and featured a panel discussion including Cushman & Wakefield colleagues: Murray Strang, managing partner, Scotland; Richard Pickering, head of innovation, EMEA; Daryl Perry, head of research & insight, UK; James Thomson, partner; alongside Donald Anderson, director, Playfair Scotland; David Scott, head of UK investment research, Abrdn; Neil Miller, head of asset management, Property Services, NatWest Group; and David Peck, managing director, Buccleuch Property.

Murray Strang said: “While our cities are facing fundamental challenges, we believe many opportunities are also opening up if we can harness a proactive collaborate approach to finding equitable solutions to Edinburgh’s future requirements.

“We need to be working with our world-leading education institutions to harness research and tech to address key issues such as housing, the increase in population, which is expected to rise by 10% by 2040, and how we manage people living and working longer. Real estate has to ensure it adapts to a changing demographic.

“Hopefully, MyCity will be viewed as a conversation starter and provide a focus on how we can begin to reimagine a revitalised Edinburgh, and other cities, now for the benefit of future generations beyond 2040.”