Mixed-use developments, customer-centric strategy – Jovana Cvetkovic, Development, TO and Innovations Director, discusses her Outlook for 2026 Placemaking.
The trend in 2026 is the continuation of shifting towards mixed-use developments incorporating ESG principles.
Value measured by customer experience rather than size or density, creatingsocial hubs that are alive— through events, culture, storytelling. MPC Properties exemplifies this through the redevelopment of USC within USCE mixed-use complex empowering placemaking through CSR initiatives like UŠĆE Eco Festival and UŠĆE BeeZ Square, gathering community through workshops on biodiversity, healthy lifestyles, and sustainability education.
Office markets face structural transformation, embracing flexibility, as hybrid work persists, demand is shifting toward high-quality, energy-efficient spaces that introduce biophilic design — integrating nature into assets- make spaces more responsive, sustainable, and attractive, improving overall customer wellbeing and productivity.
Opportunities for the industry and your company
Opportunity lies in developing new destinations, commercial hubs empowering density and activity— key placemaking value for both investors and occupiers.
Destinations strategically integrated new developments and retrofits of existing assets, with vibrant, green space, enhancing community and connectivity. MPC’s strategy is development of experience-driven, ESG-focused mixed-use developments that transform traditional concepts into sustainable, community-centered urban destinations.
Major challenges ahead
Political risk and macroeconomic uncertainty are key factors slowing down dealmaking and long-term planning, with Capital Constraints and Financing Barriers resulting in overall slower transaction activity and a higher cost of capital for developers and investors.
On the other hand, due to improved liquidity, lower interest rates and moderate increase in transaction activity, gradual stabilization and slight growth are expected in 2026.
Regions with the greatest potential in 2026
Regions with the greatest potential for Placemaking thriving in commercial RE are mixed-use redevelopments with strategic urban regeneration, public space activation emphasizing sustainable principles, are CEE urban hubs, Western European mixed-use districts and Scandinavian sustainability projects.
How the industry should respond to major trends to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future
Strong future value lies in creation of new RE models and repositioning of existing assets to meet market demands, emphasizing inclusive processes and long-term asset value, incorporating sustainability, focusing on central placemaking principles through place-led developments, people-centered growth and experience-driven spaces.
Source: https://www.across-