Neighbourhood centres: the way forward
Recognition for the importance of the neighbourhood centre as a focal point for residential developments is growing. However, where traditional neighbourhood centres used to mean retail, there is a developing shift towards a mix of uses, including residential, workspace, healthcare and other community facilities, according to a new report by our client Stephen George + Partners (SGP).
Despite the importance of these vital community hubs, there is often a lack of evidence and agreement on what does and does not work. To address some of these issues, SGP earlier this year assembled an expert panel from across the property industry, each of whom perform a role in the realisation of neighbourhood centres at the heart of new residential developments and urban extensions. Panels were formed of three roundtables where they discussed key issues such as meeting stakeholder expectations, adding commercial and social value to the process, as well as the future legacy and governance of centres.
Satellite MPR worked with SGP to produce the resulting report which makes for essential reading for all parties involved in the planning, development, management and legacy of neighbourhood centres. The report is also timely: the shift towards a mix of uses for the neighbourhood centre has largely been driven by an increased reliance from residents on online shopping, as well as changing work and lifestyle patterns and the impact of the current coronavirus epidemic may see those changes accelerated.
Ian Yallop, Chairman, SGP comments: “One key theme that emerged from our roundtables remains the same: the need for early engagement and collaboration. Understanding what the demand is for those different uses from the beginning and ensuring that the neighbourhood centre is relevant to the scale of the residential development is key to its success. Early engagement is also essential to placemaking and creating real lasting social value for the neighbourhood centre.
SGP is therefore calling for expressions of interest for the formation of panels to allow for early engagement with landowners, whilst also educating and offering support to local authorities to create a more deliverable product that satisfies stakeholders and assists in speeding up the delivery process.
To request a copy of the SGP Neighbourhood Centres report, please visit: https://www.stephengeorge.co.uk/news-story/neighbourhood-centres-the-way-forward/