By Diarmuid Murphy, Director of Property, Murphy Geospatial
Cities across the UK and Ireland are facing a pivotal moment. As populations grow, climate targets tighten, and our shopping habits continue to evolve, the pressure is on to rethink how we design and use our urban spaces – particularly retail.
Whether it’s regenerating tired town centres, transforming underused assets, or reimagining our high streets, data needs to sit at the heart of it all.
We’re seeing a growing shift in how property developers, asset managers, and planners are using geospatial data to shape smarter, more sustainable outcomes. With consumer landcapes changing continuously, data can help you to stay ahead of the curve and secure a positive future for urban development.
Retail is changing, and so are our cities
Consumer habits have changed dramatically over the last decade. The rise of hybrid working, ecommerce, and ethical consumption has completely reshaped how people move through and interact with cities. Retail spaces aren’t just for shopping anymore – they’re places to work, connect, and unwind.
According to a PwC survey, over 70% of adults are concerned about environmental issues, and two-thirds of younger consumers prefer ethical brands. It’s a clear sign that future-facing developments must be environmentally conscious, socially inclusive, and data-informed.
No more greenwashing
Regeneration that delivers real impact won’t come from quick fixes – it requires proper planning, reliable location intelligence, and a willingness to redesign with people and the planet in mind.
Many of the most successful urban regeneration projects today are powered by geospatial insights. Whether it’s footfall analysis, GIS mapping, or sensor-based monitoring, having detailed, spatial data allows decision-makers to tailor plans to the reality on the ground.
The West Midlands Combined Authority used geospatial footfall data to understand commuter patterns, they reconfigured pedestrian areas, introduced mixed-use spaces, and improved cycling infrastructure, resulting in a 30% increase in dwell time and a healthier local economy.
Rethinking high streets with smarter tools
Post-pandemic, UK and Irish high streets are still facing a tough reality. Footfall is down 15 to 20% compared to pre-Covid levels, and many retail spaces remain underutilised, this shouldn’t lead us to abandon our high streets, but instead reimagine them for the modern generation.
Geospatial surveying, combined with tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM), allows retail property owners and asset managers to get a clear picture of what’s working and what’s not. From optimising store placement to assessing accessibility and transport links, data-led planning gives teams the insights they need to design places people want to visit.
ESG is key
At the heart of many of these changes is a stronger focus on ESG. More than ever, property investment decisions are being shaped by environmental performance, social impact, and governance standards.
This is where Measured Building Surveys and BIM come in, allowing developers to digitise assets, track sustainability metrics, and right-size property portfolios with precision – making your property portfolio much easier to visualise, and therefore much easier to manage.
Dublin Central
One of the most exciting examples of data-led, sustainable mixed-use development is Dublin Central, a major regeneration project set to transform part of the city’s north inner core.
Murphy Geospatial supported the project with precise BIM modelling and geospatial analysis, helping to create a robust digital twin of the site. This not only enabled better planning and construction but laid the foundation for long-term asset management and energy-efficient retrofitting.
By working with what already exists, rather than defaulting to demolition, Dublin Central is showing how urban renewal can be done responsibly and intelligently.
The future is digital
Looking ahead, the cities that thrive will be those that embed geospatial intelligence into every stage of the planning and development process. Whether it’s urban regeneration, retail property strategy, or sustainable asset management, those who are staying ahead are already putting data first.
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