Public space benefits

Well designed and managed public space provides opportunities for social interaction, physical activity and play and general enhancement of the local environment and identity.

Better quality of life

Quality of life for people in cities and towns is directly related to public spaces - how clean the environment is, how safe they feel and how close they are to green space and trees. Public spaces improve the quality of life of our residents by:

• providing spaces for social interaction
• enhancing the local environment
• encouraging a more outdoor lifestyle in cities
• fostering a sense of belonging and pride in an area
• reducing road accidents through appropriately managing different transport modes and prioritising the pedestrian
• increasing perceptions of safety through attracting a large cross section of people at all times of day
• enhancing the attractiveness of routes for walking and cycling
• providing an appropriate setting for social and economic activity.

Healthier residents

Quality public spaces provide physical and mental health benefits which improve the health of our residents by:

• providing opportunities for physical activity and play
• making walking more attractive
• reducing stress levels and providing a calming environment through better green spaces

The annual cost of inactivity and obesity in England is estimated at over £10 billion.

Stronger local economy

Well designed and managed public spaces add economic value to places. Public space can strengthen the local economy by:

• attracting investment through high-quality street improvements
• enhancing rental and capital value through good urban design
• increasing property values through tree-lined streets and good parks
• increasing spending through increased footfall in city centres and local neighbourhoods.

Protection from climate change

Public space can help mitigate climate change by:

• linking places together, making it easier and more attractive to move around by walking and cycling
• improving the environment around public transport hubs, encouraging people to use public transport
• minimising carbon emissions through the choice of materials and construction technologies.

Public space can also help adapt to the effects of climate change by acting as a:

• sustainable drainage system
• solar temperature moderator
• source of cooling corridors
• wind shelter
• wildlife habitat.