Features / Better Business
‘I’d like to see industry leaders share knowledge to make Bristol a leading sustainable city’
As the project director at First Base, Lucinda Mitchell is responsible for the successful delivery of the Soapworks development on the former Gardiner Haskins site in Old Market. She is involved in the whole lifecycle of the £170m project, from acquiring sites through to planning, construction, sales and long term asset management.
Lucinda has more than 15 years’ experience in delivering mixed-use developments across the country and is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
What’s the one thing that inspires you to get up in the morning?
The thought of leaving a lasting mark on the cities that we work in. This also keeps me awake at night because you realise the implications if you get it wrong.
If you could pick one thing to change in Bristol, what would it be?
I would like to see less cars on the road and, in turn, less air pollution. We are supporting this by creating a car-free scheme at Soapworks where walking, cycling and public transport is encouraged. We will create new pedestrian and cycle route as well as cycle storage and shower facilities to keep people active whilst travelling sustainably.
Lucinda Mitchell would like to see fewer cars on the road – photo courtesy of First Base
What does a Better Bristol mean to you?
Soapworks is our first project in Bristol and I have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the many individuals, businesses and stakeholders that I’ve met to create a better Bristol. So many of them have given up their time to provide us with their advice and support. It’s this collegiate atmosphere, with everyone working towards a shared goal of making the city as great as it possibly can be, that I love so much about Bristol.
What one action could you as an individual take? And what action could your company take?
Try to repay the favour by sharing our experiences and our knowledge to collectively achieve more. In theory you can think that all developers are in competition, but the reality is that if we work together, we all benefit and have the shared goal of inspiring and enhancing communities.
What do you want to see from the Bristol business community in the next five years?
I would like to see more collaboration and idea sharing from Bristol’s business community. Bristol is such a thriving creative hub full of fantastic ideas. I’d like to see industry leaders share knowledge to make Bristol a leading sustainable city.
Main image courtesy of First Base
Read more: ‘It’s wrong to think individuals can’t make a difference – they really can’
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