Successful new towns rely not only on housing but also on essential community facilities that foster interaction and connectivity.
In July 2024, the Labour Government announced an ambitious initiative to develop “the next generation of new towns,” drawing inspiration from the post-war New Towns programme initiated by Attlee’s government in 1946. While this latest venture aims to tackle the ongoing housing crisis, new research highlights a critical element that must not be overlooked: social infrastructure – the physical spaces in which regular interactions are facilitated between and within communities.
Drawing on the experiences of the post-war new towns programme, a new report emphasises that the success of new towns extends beyond mere housebuilding; it hinges on the provision of community facilities that foster interaction and connectivity among residents. By the early 1970s, the UK had established 32 new towns, now home to over two and a half million people. These communities thrived not only due to their residential offerings but also because of the social infrastructure that supported vibrant community life. However, the lessons from this earlier programme reveal that timely investment and planning for social infrastructure are crucial for the long-term sustainability of new developments.
“Social infrastructure is the backbone of thriving communities. If we are to succeed in building new towns, we must prioritise these essential facilities from the very beginning,” says Rosa Marks, lead author of the report. “Our findings show that lessons from the past can guide current efforts to ensure that new towns are not just collections of houses, but thriving and sustainable communities.”
The report identifies several recommendations for both central and local governments to ensure the effective delivery and management of social infrastructure in new towns.
First, the report calls for the central government to guarantee substantial, long-term investment in infrastructure, particularly in social facilities such as healthcare, education, and community spaces. Ensuring these facilities are integrated from the outset will promote inclusivity and support economic growth.
Second, local authorities are urged to engage actively with the private sector to foster partnerships that facilitate investment in new towns. Incentives like rent-free periods can help reduce risks for private enterprises looking to establish businesses in these communities.
Third, community involvement and engaging existing and new residents in the planning process is critical. The report highlights that meaningful community engagement fosters a sense of belonging and ensures that the infrastructure provided meets the actual needs of residents, thus reducing opposition to development.
Related to this is the creation of flexible, multi-purpose spaces that can evolve alongside community needs. Incorporating interim uses for vacant areas can also help facilitate social interaction while permanent facilities are being developed.
Finally, local government needs to establish a framework for community stewardship. This approach not only promotes community cohesion and a sense of belonging, but also ensures that assets are developed in line with residents’ needs and safeguarded for the community in the long-term.
This report aims to prevent some of the challenges that new settlements are currently facing. For example, Northstowe, a development of 10,000 homes in Cambridgeshire, still lacked essential amenities such as a café, pub, and healthcare services six years after the first residents moved in.This delay led to frustration among residents and highlights the importance of prioritising social infrastructure in the early stages of development to avoid community discontent.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner has also emphasised the necessity of social infrastructure, stating: “infrastructure is critical. And that’s why our rules will make sure that we get that infrastructure as well, because I’ve heard what people have said on that: ‘We need these homes, but we need the infrastructure in place as well. You can’t just land us with 900 new homes without a new GP or a new school.’” This sentiment aligns with the findings of the report, which stresses that the success of new towns relies heavily on a comprehensive approach to infrastructure planning.
As the government moves forward with its plans for new towns, the insights provided by the Bennett Institute for Public Policy offer a roadmap for ensuring these developments foster sustainable, engaged communities. By prioritising social infrastructure and learning from past successes and failures, the government can help create new towns that truly serve both their residents, businesses and the local economy.
Read report: Social infrastructure and the development of new towns – learning from history
Read blog: Beyond housing: lessons for developing social infrastructure in new towns
Image: Sherford. Roy Riley Photography for the Sherford Consortium
The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the Bennett Institute for Public Policy.