Image: a 3D model of the Southern Gateway Area. City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council and Visualising Heritage/ University of Bradford, with funding from MHCLG as part of PropTech 4 scheme
PHI UK Healthy Urban Places has published a new report How to Make a Healthy City - Evidence and recommendations to maximise health co-benefits of urban regeneration.
Drawing on research from Born in Bradford, the report outlines clear, evidence-based strategies to ensure regeneration projects actively improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities.
The report highlights how better-designed environments – with cleaner air, greener spaces, safer streets, decent housing, and stronger community involvement – can improve physical and mental health, reduce demand on the NHS, and contribute to net-zero goals. It underscores that place-based interventions, particularly in deprived areas, are essential to addressing the root causes of poor health and widening inequalities.
The seven key recommendations are:
Place communities at the heart of decision making, involving them centrally to co-produce plans for their area.
Reduce outdoor sources of pollution, for example from motor traffic.
Promote active transport, including making streets safe for walking and cycling.
Create high quality public realm green spaces, and safe outdoor places for children to play.
Increase provision of high quality and affordable housing; and create quality jobs that promote income security.
Prioritise investments in more deprived neighbourhoods to maximise health gains and reduce inequality.
Include a comprehensive evaluation strategy, including theory of change and indicators to assess impact.
Originally developed to inform regeneration plans for Bradford’s Southern Gateway, the report has broad relevance for towns and cities across the UK aiming to become healthier, fairer places to live.
Find out more
Image: a 3D model of the Southern Gateway Area. City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council and Visualising Heritage/ University of Bradford, with funding from MHCLG as part of PropTech 4 scheme