This report by Rosa Marks examines lessons from Britain’s post-war New Towns programme to inform effective delivery and long-term management of social infrastructure in new developments. It outlines key recommendations for central and local government, drawing on historical successes and challenges, to deliver the next generation of new towns.
Abstract
In July 2024, the Labour Government announced its plans to deliver the next generation of new towns. This makes the government the latest in a long line of British governments of various political persuasions that have returned to the idea of new towns, starting with Clement Attlee’s Labour Government, which initiated the most famous new town programme in 1946. By the early 1970s, 32 new towns had been designated in the UK, which are now home to over two and a half million people. But these new towns consisted of far more than just houses. Social infrastructure – the physical spaces in which regular interactions are facilitated between and within communities – was critical. This report explores what the government can learn from Britain’s post-war New Towns programme to ensure the successful delivery and long-term maintenance of social infrastructure in new towns.
Drawing on the successes and difficulties of Britain’s post-war new towns, the report identifies a number of recommendations for central and local government to ensure the delivery and long-term management of social infrastructure in the next generation of new towns.
Report: Social infrastructure and the development of new towns – learning from history
Blog: Beyond housing: lessons for developing social infrastructure in new towns
News: Government’s ‘new towns’ plan must prioritise social infrastructure, says new report
