In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Managing Director Nick Dines is joined by Patrick Scally, Chief Executive of Hackney Wick and Fish Island Community Development Trust (CDT).

From a background in music and creative space-making to leading one of London’s most unique community development organisations, Patrick shares the story behind the CDT and its mission to put local people at the centre of regeneration.

The conversation explores:

• How the CDT was formed in response to rapid regeneration after the Olympics
• The long-term lease at 290 Wallis Road and how the CDT delivers a meanwhile-use model rooted in the circular economy
• The role of local voices in shaping development – from policy and planning to placemaking and programming
• How affordable workspace can be both commercially viable and socially meaningful
• Lessons for developers, planners and councils on how to go beyond box-ticking and enable truly community-led regeneration

With insights into Hackney Wick's creative energy, the challenges of co-location, and the risks of commercialising community space, this episode offers a rare look at how regeneration can be done differently - and why it needs to be.