Consistently pushing beyond conventional policy and delivery structures to help create systemic change in cities, towns, and neighbourhoods so that they can become more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.
Project Examples
Strategic and Local Planning - Introducing new collaborations with government agencies and local authorities to create long term plans that focus on people and place. This type of work demonstrates the benefits of early engagement and discussions in the planning system with key statutory officials and all service departments.
Global Knowledge Exchange - Many great cities around the world have delivered transformative projects and initiatives. Over the years, I have secured several peer-to-peer learning networks focused on specific major investment projects, enabling knowledge sharing and best practice exchange to happen.
City Centre Transformation - Spearheaded new urban design and planning policy methodology aimed at regenerating metropolitan areas, fostering a people-centric environment, enhancing its economic competitiveness and ability to achieve carbon neutrality.
Neighbourhood Renewal - I have developed regeneration frameworks for towns and settlements that introduced new approaches to urban planning to help improve every day lives for the residents. These projects have been identified as national case studies for their innovation and impact.
Place Activation - Change can be introduced in stages to test ideas and over the years I have developed strategic and local partnerships to establish temporary street design interventions to test and monitor changes before permanent solutions were established.
Community Placemaking/Capacity Building - Worked in numerous and diverse communities to help influence change and their capacity, facilitate discussions, and mediate different perspectives. I have successfully bridged the gap between communities and local authorities, guiding meaningful change to places whilst ensuring local voices were heard.
Policy and Legislation - Regularly provides input and advice on developing government policy.
About Gillian Black
I am an expert in urban design and city planning with over 30 years of experience. and have worked in all aspects of urban development, city planning and regeneration.
I am a chartered town planner with the Royal Town Planning Institute, a design advisor for a National Design Agency and an expert for the Global Designing Cities Initiative.
With an exceptional and highly specialised skill set, honed over decades of experience, I bring unparalleled expertise to every project. In 2025, I launched Gillian Black City Design and Planning, offering a level of insight and strategic thinking that few can match.
Because of the depth of my expertise, I work with only a select number of clients at any one time, ensuring they receive my full focus and the highest level of specialist knowledge in urban design and planning.
At the heart of my philosophy is a deep understanding of place—how it shapes lives, communities, and well-being. I believe cities should be designed first and foremost for people, creating environments that support healthier, more fulfilling lives. With years of hands-on experience, I bring a rigorous, people-centred approach to addressing complex urban challenges, combining insight, creativity, and precision to help shape vibrant, liveable places that stand the test of time.
If you are interested in finding out more about any of the projects above, please feel free to contact me.