In the ever-evolving landscape of urban development, it is crucial to focus on stimulating growth in city centers while fostering a sense of community and promoting sustainable practices. We believe that a holistic approach encompassing various strategies can create vibrant city centres that thrive economically, socially, and environmentally. In this blog post, we will explore six real-world strategies that can contribute to the revitalization of city centres, while considering the needs of businesses, residents, and the overall community. In short we’re going to look at how we create sustainable cities.
- Dynamic Car Parking System: One thing key to creating sustainable cities is implementing a free car parking system. An innovative one could rotate across different car parks can encourage people to explore various areas within the city centre. By varying their parking locations, individuals are more likely to walk past different shops and establishments they may not have encountered otherwise. This strategy promotes foot traffic, increases business opportunities, and fosters a greater sense of community interaction. There is an argument to say that one should not be encouraging car use, however, unless a local authority is brave enough to stop traffic from entering the city centre (a move which I believe has merit between certain hours of the day) then car use is an unavoidable fact. It would be better to be able to shape that usage to benefit the users of the city centre spaces.
- Space Activation Initiatives: Following the example set by organisations like Plymouth Culture, city councils can collaborate with local communities and cultural institutions to activate under utilised spaces. These spaces can be transformed into temporary art galleries, pop-up shops, or community hubs, creating dynamic and engaging environments. By encouraging creativity and collaboration, such initiatives attract residents and visitors, bolster the local economy, and infuse the city centre with a renewed sense of energy. To think that we will return to a pre-internet era of shopping on the high street is probably not realistic, and so we must look to new and innovative uses for the city centre properties that enrich the area and its usefulness outside of retail.
- Incentives for Small Businesses: To nurture entrepreneurial spirit and foster local economic growth, offering incentives such as waived business rates for new or small businesses is instrumental, in fact game changing. Currently business rates can be waived for a period of 3 months. But we propose that small businesses, especially those with innovative roots may not become financially viable within that time. A period of 12 months or more for businesses under a certain size taking on premises would help alleviate some of those early pressures whilst also attracting a range of new use cases. Additionally, implementing rent controls specifically tailored to support small businesses ensures a level playing field and provides stability. Such measures allow startups and small enterprises to thrive and contribute to the diverse business ecosystem of the city centre. It also ensures that larger businesses are required to “pay their way”. The current system treats independent traders and huge multinational corporations in the same way and that isn’t exactly a level playing field.
- Thoughtful Urban Planning: City centres must be designed with careful consideration of their purpose and the built environment. Urban planners and local authorities should collaborate to create attractive public spaces, prioritise pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and encourage mixed-use developments that blend residential, commercial, and recreational elements. By ensuring a well-designed and accessible city centre, it becomes a destination that attracts people, spurs economic growth, and promotes a healthy lifestyle. But, more than this, planners and decision makers need to listen to residents, and their own hearts. I think it is clear from the shambolic way in which the regeneration of Plymouth City Centre has been handled that there is room for improvement in this regard. If you aren’t sure what I am talking about, google it. Integrating green spaces, parks, and cycling infrastructure into the city centre fosters environmental sustainability, improves public health, and enhances the overall quality of life for residents and visitors. Allocating space for urban gardens, rooftop green spaces, green walls and cycle lanes encourages active transportation and creates a more liveable and sustainable city centre. This approach also contributes to reducing congestion and air pollution while enhancing the urban aesthetic.
- A Forward-Looking Council with a Positive Attitude to Innovation: A progressive and forward-looking council is essential for the growth and development of more sustainable cities. Embracing innovation, technology, and change can attract new industries, startups, and investment. Encouraging public-private partnerships, supporting research and development initiatives, and fostering an environment that welcomes experimentation and creativity can position the city centre as a hub for innovation and attract the talent and businesses of the future. This may seem like a no brainer, and yet the way civil services are run is in direct opposition to requirements. We need brave leaders who are willing to step outside business as normal and find those little wins that will make investors look and say, “that is a place I can do business in”.
- Community Engagement and Participation: To ensure the success of any revitalisation efforts, it is vital to engage and involve the local community. City councils can organise public consultations, workshops, and forums to gather input from residents, business owners, and other stakeholders but this is for nought if they don’t listen to the outcomes. A collaborative approach ensures that the revitalisation plans are aligned with the needs and aspirations of the community, fostering a sense of ownership and fostering a collective vision for the city center’s future. Every citizen is a shareholder and when councils work as hard for their shareholders and private businesses do for theirs, then we will have a city like no other.
Revitalising city centres requires a multifaceted approach that combines strategic planning, community engagement, sustainable practices, and an openness to innovation. By implementing strategies such as those outlined above city centres can undergo a transformative journey towards sustainable growth and vibrant communities.
The strategies outlined in this blog post offer a start on the road for more sustainable cities. Where our city centres become more inclusive, dynamic, and economically prosperous. By creating an environment that encourages exploration, supports local businesses, and prioritises the well-being of residents, city centres can reclaim their role as thriving hubs of social and economic activity.
However, it is important to remember that each city centre is unique, and the implementation of these strategies should be tailored to the specific context and needs of the community. Collaboration between local authorities, businesses, residents, and other stakeholders is paramount in driving positive change and ensuring the long-term success of revitalization efforts.
We have the opportunity to contribute to the transformation of city centres by advocating for sustainable practices, supporting innovative initiatives, and promoting community well-being. Together, let us envision and create city centres that serve as exemplars of growth, inclusivity, and human-centric development. Let’s create truly sustainable cities together. You can read about our own pledge here