News roundup: Transforming unused areas to revitalize urban spaces, and other stories

For PropertyGuru’s real estate news roundup, ten examples of urban interventions using simple resources and innovative solutions to bring neglected alleys, plazas, and highways back to life and reincorporate them into the city. In other headlines, Banyan Tree Group is bullish on the luxury real estate market in the Philippines, having recently unveiled Banyan Tree Manila Bay. And all about leasehold ownership in Dubai and who can buy such property.

Revitalising urban spaces: 10 Interventions for transforming unused areas

Cities constantly undergo infinite changes, leaving many spaces within the urban fabric forgotten and unused. Historic buildings are refurbished, and adaptive reuse explores new possibilities, but what happens with public spaces? Small interventions using simple resources and innovative solutions are the perfect way to bring these neglected alleys, plazas, and highways back to life and reincorporate them into the city.

Depending on the context and scale of the project, granting quality spaces to otherwise overlooked places can be challenging. This is why innovative and thoughtful initiatives are highly valued. However, some interventions demonstrate that with simple yet effective adaptations, neglected spaces in cities or neighbourhoods can not only be resignified but also re-populated, giving them new life. These gestures bring new opportunities for personal and collective appropriation and new uses of public spaces, encouraging user interactions and exchange.

The materials and forms used may vary depending on budgets, sites, and uses. It may take something as simple as colourful paint or metallic and wooden structures to build playgrounds that bring life back to unused streets. Mirrors, colours, and artwork can add value to residual city spaces, and benches can provide places to take a break and meet with community neighbours. ArchDaily reports on 10 examples of simple urban installations that successfully achieve this.

Banyan Tree Group bullish on Philippines’ luxury real estate

Hospitality company Banyan Tree Group is bullish on the luxury real estate market in the Philippines, having recently unveiled Banyan Tree Manila Bay, featuring three towers of premium hotel and residential units.

“We’re excited because it is the first Banyan Tree Residence in the Philippines,” Banyan Tree Manila Bay Chief Operating Officer Martin D. Taylor said in an interview on 25th June, according to BusinessWorld.

He added that the first phase of the project, which is targeted for completion in the first quarter of 2028, consists of hotels and condominiums.

All about leasehold property ownership in Dubai

Dubai is a magnet for investors worldwide. And announcements of new projects almost daily are spoiling investors for choice when buying property in the city. However, unlike locals, as an expat, your options for owning a property are limited to freehold and leasehold basis. While both options have merits, this guide will focus on leasehold property ownership in Dubai and its pros and cons.

MyBayut reports all about leasehold ownership in Dubai and who can buy such property.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].