Featuring a technology special, housing in the Senedd election, the future of Wales as a ‘forest nation’ and much, much more, the Spring issue of WHQ is out now online and will be with subscribers in the next few days.
From ‘you’re on mute’ to not going to the office, the pandemic has dramatically accelerated the adoption of technology across the housing sector.
Our contributors range far and wide across the sector and straddle the boundaries between the virtual and the real, with articles on tenant engagement, digital inclusion, independent living for older people, recruitment and management and homelessness services. Whatever the pace of technological change we need to remember that the ‘Zoom class’ who can choose to work from home are in a minority. Whatever the pace of technological change we need to remember that the ‘Zoom class’ who can choose to work from home are in a minority.
WHQ itself is no exception and we have some important news about the future of the magazine. Along with everyone else, we’ve felt the impact of economic trends that are moving online and after a discussion within the advisory board and with our subscribers we’ve taken the difficult decision that this will be the last print issue.
From the Summer issue in July, we will be moving to digital-only publication but over the next 12 months we will be having conversations with readers across the sector about what you want to see and exploring new delivery options and funding models. Tom Broadhead and Helen Taylor, chair and vice-chair of the advisory board, explain more here.
Elsewhere in this issue, ahead of the Senedd election on May 6 we look in detail at the manifestos of the major parties and what they might mean for the policies on housing and regeneration of the new Welsh Government.
Whoever does take charge in Cardiff Bay will want to take a close look at Home-Grown Homes. WHQ has traced the evolution of this exciting project since its earlier stages and Gary Newman says is now ready to play a major role in housing, the economy and the environment as Wales looks to become a ‘forest nation’.
Steve Cranston reports from the first Climate Assembly held in Wales on what the citizens of Blaenau Gwent believe should be the priorities for the future.
In a timely feature for Spring, Kim Stoddart looks at how housing can connect with green spaces after the pandemic.
The latest in our series on projects from the Innovative Programme sees Joanna Davoile report on Wales & West’s development of eco homes in Bridgend.
For more than 30 years WHQ has provided a platform for the best of Welsh housing and regeneration. With your support, we look forward to taking that into a digital future.
WHQ is available every quarter to subscribers only. For full access to the magazine and our comprehensive archive of past issues, go here to find out more.