The Crown Estate and Connected Places Catapult join forces to drive place-based prosperity

The new strategic partnership will create opportunities for technology testbeds on land owned by The Crown Estate and develop programmes designed to deliver lasting impacts for communities and the environment.

Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities, transport, and place leadership, today announced a new strategic partnership with The Crown Estate, a company acting in the national interest across its diverse portfolio of land, urban centres and the seabed. The strategic partnership is a clear statement of intent that will see the two organisations work together to deliver innovative approaches to urban spaces and place making across the UK.

A memorandum of understanding outlining the strategic partnership was signed today at the Connected Places Summit by The Crown Estate’s Chief Executive, Dan Labbad, and the Catapult’s Chief Executive, Erika Lewis.

The collaboration aims to support the creation of sustainable communities by leveraging The Crown Estate's distinct assets and proven ability to bring organisations together to solve national challenges, alongside Connected Places Catapult's unique innovation expertise for a pioneering approach to inclusive growth, enhanced connectivity, and lasting value.

The two organisations both share attributes that make this a powerful partnership, including a national geographic remit, a long-term approach, a structure at the intersection of the public and private sectors and a strong drive for innovation and new thinking in meeting key national needs such as net zero, nature recovery and inclusive economic growth.

Under this strategic partnership, teams from The Crown Estate and Connected Places Catapult will develop more detailed proposals for a number of joint initiatives.

Dan Labbad, Chief Executive at The Crown Estate, said:

“At a time when we face unprecedented collective challenges to improve the social and environmental wellbeing of communities, working together with like-minded organisations is vital. Our strategic partnership with Connected Places Catapult will help us deliver the innovative and practical solutions that meet the changing needs of people and the wider environment.”

Erika Lewis, Chief Executive at Connected Places Catapult, said:

“This unique collaboration brings together the strategic resources and expert stewardship of The Crown Estate with the innovation expertise and convening power of Connected Places Catapult. By joining forces, we can develop new initiatives to drive environmental, social, and economic benefits for communities right across the UK.”