Thinking through public space for local economic growth

Many places are looking to public space improvements to improve local economic performance and achieve other policy objectives. This includes regeneration of parks and town squares, pedestrianisation of town centres and high streets, and development of walking and cycling infrastructure.

Can public space improvements lead to increased productivity, wages, or employment locally? What are the potential trade-offs? Are there elements that can make public space improvements more effective?

Join us for an hour-long session sharing findings from our upcoming review of the evidence on the local economic impacts of public spaces and a discussion of how to think through the possible benefits.

Victoria Sutherland, Head of Evidence at What Works Growth will present our forthcoming evidence review, and there will be an opportunity to ask questions.

Speakers:

Victoria Sutherland, Head of Evidence, What Works Centre for Local Economic Growth

Dr. Rachel Lee, Policy and Research Manager, Living Streets

Adriana Moreno Pelayo, Associate – City Economics and Planning, ARUP

Maria Cotton, Group Leader, Urban Centres, Barnsley Council