PCPM study tour to Barcelona and London 2023

This year the PCPM Property study tour took students to Barcelona and London. It was a wonderful and exciting return to study tours, after a long pandemic break. The tour focused on Proptech and smart cities of the future, with predominantly students from Property and a few joining us from across other disciplines including urban planning, construction, and project management.

The study tour commenced in Barcelona in early November, with students spending time hosted by RMIT Europe, and included visiting the renowned Smart City Expo World Congress. From there, students had the opportunity to tour the city and enjoy its wonderful attractions including the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, and Las Arenas de Barcelona. Students heard how affordable housing operates in Barcelona, from long standing housing company, Cevasa.

UN-Habitat presented climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience strategies for urban environments. CBRE Barcelona presented students with a comprehensive overview of the Barcelona commercial and residential markets. 

From Barcelona, students travelled to London zig zagging, via the tube, across the vast city, exploring old and new sites. Students had an onsite presentation of Lendlease’s new estate, Stratford Cross, and the revitalisation project at the BBC’s White City innovation hub, and its surrounds. A day was spent walking the famous commercial spine of the City of London critiquing iconic buildings such as: Gherkin, Lloyd’s building, and the “walkie talkie” building at 20 Fenchurch Street. Geovation presented ideas from innovative PropTech start-ups. Students were welcomed at the iconic 150-year-old RICS London building, located adjacent to the English Parliament, where they heard from speakers on heritage building restoration and re-purposing. A visit to the stunning Shard building and ancient markets at Camden and Borough informed them of new and old development in London. From Colliers, students gained firsthand tips and insights into the complexities of the London property market and were show the use of innovative and cutting edge automated valuation software.