Green and Inclusive

Creating a well-balanced urban centre not only revitalises commercial activities and meets community needs, it also serves our urgent environmental requirement to make the best use of previously invested carbon and reduce carbon emissions.

With public transport and well- planned cycle lanes providing access to a redesigned urban centre, fewer people need to drive cars to work, shop and play.

A rebalanced town centre provides inclusion and access to facilities that those without cars currently find hard to reach when they are out of town. With an ageing population often suffering from degrees of dementia, places for older people in our urban centres create a kinder, more intergenerational solution where people in care see familiar activity around them, recognise their surroundings and have access to a place they have known all their lives.

It is important that any Vision enshrines the shared values of your town, particularly equality and inclusivity. Alongside this, the town centre has a role to play in responding to the climate change challenge by delivering on important government and local environmental strategies and initiatives, increasing density, creating enhancing green infrastructure and creating attractive public spaces that improve biodiversity, resilience and wellbeing.

Delivering and maintaining high-quality, green and inclusive streetscapes is a shared responsibility. Through coordinated investment and stewardship, town centres can become healthier, more sustainable and more resilient places that support both communities and long-term economic prosperity.

Green Place

The Vision should embed a clear commitment to addressing the climate emergency by supporting the transition to net zero and a more circular economy. This includes promoting renewable energy, reducing waste, encouraging reuse and recycling, and making more efficient use of resources. Investment in green infrastructure will enhance biodiversity, improve flood resilience, mitigate urban overheating and create high-quality public spaces that benefit both the environment and the wellbeing of communities.

Include

A repopulated and active town centre will be safer, more welcoming and more resilient, with increased activity and natural surveillance creating a stronger sense of place. It is essential that town centres are designed to be accessible and inclusive for people of all ages, gender and abilities, with step-free environments, seating and rest points, accessible public facilities, and features that support those with mobility needs or dementia. If we ensure our centres can comfortably accommodate the most disadvantaged in our society, then individuals’ carers and families will also be attracted further contributing to vibrancy and economic resilience. This means investing in full changing rooms toilets, barrier free access, etc.

A clear and co-ordinated wayfinding strategy should help residents and visitors navigate the town centre with ease, improving accessibility, encouraging exploration and increasing footfall and dwell time. High-quality signage, interpretation and digital navigation can strengthen the town centre’s identity while making it easier for people to discover local businesses, services and attractions.