Planning, Development and Economic Advisory

Our expertise Services Insights Projects FAQ Our experts

Cities and communities are navigating complex, interconnected challenges such as demand for affordable housing, climate resilience, reliable infrastructure, and catalysts for economic growth. Creating solutions for these requires deep technical expertise, integrated perspectives, and experience that sees the big picture from day one.

At WSP, we bring end-to-end, multisector services that unite strategic planning, engineering, economics, and digital innovation – breaking down silos so strategies are aligned from vision through execution. We provide cohesive, actionable strategies rooted in science and engineering, ensuring every decision is grounded in robust data, policy insight, and a clear path to implementation. And with decades of experience across geographies and markets, we know there are no shortcuts to experience. Our work understands the current realities, anticipates challenges, builds stakeholder trust, and delivers lasting value for communities.

Our global network of planners, economists, designers, and scientists partner with governments, developers, and private organizations to craft solutions that address immediate needs while preparing for the future. Whether creating transit-oriented communities, revitalizing downtowns, planning resilient waterfronts, or shaping national growth strategies, we integrate a deep understanding of local policy, the ability to meaningfully engage stakeholders, and a deep understanding of the built and natural environments to deliver results that endure.

From advising on feasibility and funding to designing vibrant public spaces and delivering climate-ready infrastructure, we help clients move from ambition to action – delivering places where people can live, work, and thrive for generations to come.

Great developments begin with great strategy. Our in-house team delivers the insight and expertise clients need strategically, technically, and commercially; before master planning even begins.

Jonathan Lane Director - Development, Planning & Urban Design

Jonathan Lane Director - Development, Planning & Urban Design

Strategic planning for future ready communities

Shaping long-term visions that balance growth, resilience, and sustainability while aligning with stakeholder priorities and policy frameworks.

Feasibility & highest and best use (HBU) studies

Delivering evidence-based assessments to identify optimal land use, maximize value, and guide informed investment and development decisions.

Development strategies & phasing

Creating actionable roadmaps that sequence projects for efficiency, market alignment, and long-term community benefit.

Culture & heritage integration

Providing expert advice to honour cultural and heritage assets while enabling viable and context-sensitive development outcomes.

Design competition management

Managing transparent and innovative design competitions to attract world-class ideas and deliver exceptional urban outcomes.

Commercial modelling & business cases

Building robust economic models and business cases to support funding applications, investment attraction, and project viability.

Economic strategy & business case development

Crafting targeted economic strategies that enhance competitiveness, attract investment, and support sustainable economic growth.

Permitting & approvals navigation

Streamlining complex regulatory processes to secure timely approvals and maintain project momentum.

Master planning & urban design

Designing vibrant, inclusive, and adaptable spaces that deliver lasting social, economic, and environmental value.

Planning, development and economic advisory projects

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London, United Kingdom

Enabling a sustainable masterplan for Earls Court

Our multidisciplinary engineering and mobility expertise has helped overcome constraints to shape a low-carbon masterplan for London’s largest cleared development site.

United Kingdom

Eden Project Morecambe

Eden Project Morecambe is a transformative attraction that represents a once in a generation opportunity for the local community in Morecambe.

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Projects

Destination decarbonisation

Helping the UK Department for Transport introduce carbon quantification advice for local transport strategies.

Projects

Land Transport Activity Management Plan

The purpose of this project was to address deficiencies in the 2015 Transportation Annual Management Plan (AMP) and present an updated document for the 2021-2031 Long Term Plan (LTP).

United Kingdom

Leading Smarter Water Planning

Adaptive Planning and Metering Decision Analytics for South West Water

New South Wales, Australia

Tomerong Quarry Masterplan

Ja-Ghoondji Lands Incorporated (IJGL) owns an 800 ha site in Tomerong, NSW that previously functioned as a quarry. With IJGL wanting to re-commence extraction, WSP provided pro-bono services to help inform the decision-making process.

Helsinki, Finland

Build it and they will come

WSP carried out the construction design of the Kaisantunneli – a pedestrian and bicycling tunnel passing under the railway yard at Helsinki's main railway station, as well as the underground Bicycle Parking associated with the tunnel. In addition, we were responsible for the construction design of the tunnel entrances and street areas opening to Kansalaistori square and Kaisaniemi park. The tunnel connects the city center divided by the railway yard with a pedestrian path and bicycle lane, and provides bicycle connection parking under train platforms.

Brampton, Ontario, Canada

Brampton Downtown Development Corporation Study

Providing the BDDC with high-level strategic actions to advance the economic viability of Downtown Brampton

Ontario, Canada

Port Lands Flood Protection

The Port Lands Flood Protection project has re-naturalized the Don Valley River to safeguard Downtown Toronto from increasing risks of flood, help spur economic growth and strengthen biodiversity.

Stockholm, Sweden

Väsjön Urban Development Project

As general consultant for the municipality of Sollentuna, WSP is working on an exciting sustainable neighbourhood in Väsjön, Stockholm.

thn-Planning bike share networks through spatial analysis

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Pedals and PRIME: Planning bike share networks through spatial analysis

When Bike Share Toronto wanted to expand its network, they looked to WSP for help. Learn how WSP was a key resource in delivering this critical program.

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London, United Kingdom

Shaping infrastructure for a new community at Barking Riverside

Through their strategic advice and design expertise, specialists across WSP are supporting the large-scale regeneration of Barking Riverside into a sustainable community.

Frequently asked questions

What types of clients does WSP support with planning, development, and economic advisory?

We work with municipalities, developers, investors, public agencies, and infrastructure owners, providing strategic guidance across urban regeneration, master planning, major developments, and infrastructure projects.

What services does WSP offer in planning and development advisory?

Our multidisciplinary teams deliver feasibility studies, economic strategies, cultural and heritage advice, urban design, permitting guidance, and commercial modelling. We help clients shape viable, future-ready projects from concept to completion.

Does WSP provide financial or investment advice?

No. WSP does not offer financial advice or make investment recommendations. We provide independent technical, planning, economic, and regulatory analysis to support evidence-based decision-making and project success.

What is Highest and Best Use (HBU) analysis?

HBU analysis evaluates the most profitable, legally permissible, and environmentally sustainable use of a site. It considers market demand, planning regulations, environmental constraints, and cultural context to guide optimal development strategies.

How does WSP use digital tools in planning, and who owns the resulting information?

WSP leverages advanced digital tools such as GIS mapping, 3D modelling, and data analytics to enhance planning accuracy, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making. All client-supplied data and project-specific outputs remain the property of the client, while WSP retains ownership of proprietary tools, methodologies, and intellectual property used in delivering the work.