A master planners company in Milton Keynes has led the way for other business by securing work in China.
David Lock Associates (DLA) are playing an important role in the development of the Guiyang community in south west China, which is aiming to provide facilities and homes for around 440,000 people.
The UK’s trade and investment minister, Lord Green, called on UK businesses to court new opportunities in China. DLA visited Chinese eco cities during a trade mission organised by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) in 2009.
Milton Keynes has been visited by Chinese planning professionals who wish to learn about sustainable development from the city.
Wuhan City Planning Bureau awarded DLA the coveted contract for the Guiyang development after DLA created a conceptual master plan for expansion of the Wuhan East Lakes. Their contract will provide a master plan and urban design guidance for the Bayi Road project which is near central Wuhan.
The managing director of DLA, Lawrence Revill, said: “It has taken only a short time for projects in China to become a very important part of our business. UK expertise in these fields is highly regarded in China, allied to sustainable design and construction to reduce the carbon impact of development while creating high-quality places for people to live. This ‘export’ opportunity owes a great deal to UKTI expertise, sponsorship and support.” DLA are now planning on establishing a Chinese business later in 2011.
Lord Green said: “China invested nearly US$35 billion in clean energy in 2009, more than anywhere else in the world. That is why we are encouraging greater collaboration between UK businesses and their Chinese counterparts to transfer technical expertise, cut business costs and drive green economic growth”.