How hybrid working is changing the geography of opportunity and supporting regional growth

In the UK, hybrid working has moved from a temporary solution to a permanent fixture of working life. We now work from home more than any other country in Europe, and this behavioural shift is beginning to leave a visible imprint on the spaces around us. From high streets to housing developments, the built environment is adapting to a world where the daily commute is no longer a given, and the office is one of several places we plug in, log on and get things done. 

One of the most striking consequences of this shift is the rise of the “supercommuter” – individuals who travel 90 minutes or more to work, but only a few times a week. Once seen as outliers, supercommuters are now becoming a common feature of the hybrid workforce, according to Trainline, their numbers nearly doubled last year. Enabled by hybrid schedules, these workers are choosing to live further from traditional job centres, fuelling growth in regional towns and reshaping demand for infrastructure, services and amenities. This trend is echoed in housing data: Rightmove reports a 16% rise in interest from first-time buyers in regional cities over the past decade, with Dundee leading the way – inquiries there have surged by 176%, thanks to its cultural appeal and affordable housing. Meanwhile, interest in London has declined by 7%, highlighting how high property prices are prompting buyers to look beyond the capital. The built environment has always reflected the way we live, and today it’s responding to this profound shift – regional towns and suburban communities are becoming the new frontiers of growth. 

Pret A Manger’s evolving store formats offer a clear signal of this transformation. The high-street chain announced two new stores in Maidenhead and Broughty Ferry, locations chosen not for their footfall of city-centre commuters, but for their growing populations of hybrid workers. In Maidenhead, Pret’s new branch is part of the One Maidenhead development by Get Living, a project that reflects the shift toward more community-focused, mixed-use spaces. These new branches are designed with flexibility in mind: more dine-in space, made-to-order menus and even play areas for children. It’s a format that speaks to a lifestyle where flexibility isn’t just a perk – it’s an expectation. This shift is also reflected in Pret’s broader expansion strategy: since before the pandemic, the number of Pret stores outside London has surged by over 150%, growing from around 80 locations in 2019 to over 200 in 2025. This remarkable increase underscores the brand’s pivot toward suburban and regional markets, aligning with the changing rhythms of work and life across the UK. 

This shift isn’t just about coffee shops – it reflects a broader regionalisation of how we live, work and design our built environment. As hybrid working decentralises daily routines, demand is growing for vibrant, well-connected places beyond traditional urban cores. Regional towns and suburban areas are seeing renewed investment, with mixed-use developments emerging as key to this transformation. These projects blend housing, retail, leisure and workspace into walkable, self-sufficient neighbourhoods that support a more integrated lifestyle. In build-to-rent schemes, co-working spaces are no longer afterthoughts but foundational elements, designed to meet the expectations of residents who live and work locally. Developers are reimagining what it means to create a neighbourhood – prioritising amenities that foster both productivity and community and recognising that people increasingly want to live in places that support the full rhythm of their day, without needing to commute into the city five days a week.  

From Pret’s suburban cafés to mixed-use developments designed around flexibility and local living, the spaces we inhabit are evolving to support a lifestyle that values choice, connectivity and community. The rise of supercommuters and the decentralisation of work are not just changing commuting patterns – they’re reshaping the geography of opportunity. As this transformation continues, developers, planners and brands alike will need to rethink what it means to serve a population that’s no longer centred around the city but spread across a more diverse and dynamic landscape.