Streets

Streets make up about 80 per cent of our urban public spaces - it’s critical that we get their design right.

England’s streets, squares and town centres embody thousands of years of collective wisdom about urban placemaking. But the quality of these spaces has been compromised with pollution, congestion and noise.

To be sustainable and fit for purpose in the 21st century, streets need to respond to the demands of climate change and shifts in culture. As streets make up about 80 per cent of our urban public spaces it’s critical that we get their design right.

A fundamental shift is taking place in the way we think about and design our streets. Manual for streets puts people first, identifying streets as major elements of placemaking and emphasising their role in creating successful neighbourhoods.

Principles of successful street design

CABE Space has developed five key principles that local authorities and others involved in street design should follow.

Street design and placemaking

Professionals working in design and management must make a combined effort to produce the best possible streets. We need to build the knowledge and confidence of professionals to deliver streets and spaces that put people first.