As the government seeks to develop mechanisms to deliver 1.5 million homes, the inclusion of the King’s Cross master plan on this year’s Stirling Prize shortlist has been a timely reminder that producing high-quality regeneration and much-needed homes at scale is not a quick fix. It requires long-term vison, stewardship and master plan guidance; in the case of King’s Cross of at least 20 years.

Even though the government has scrapped the “levelling up” slogan, a stable democracy needs successful economic and social places with good environmental benefits, but they do not come quickly.

The delivery of new homes on their own does not necessarily lead to social, low carbon or connected places. We have seen a proliferation of housing estates spring up around towns across the UK. Yes, they do help to meet certain numerical targets, but the developer does not necessarily have a long-term stake in the project.