An interesting transformation project for Scotland https://www.edenproject.com/new-edens/eden-project-dundee-uk

#urbanenvironment #inspiration #planning #project #growth #cities #spaces #spacebuilding #placebuilding #Scotland #Dundee

i am a HUGE believer in the power of #PlaceBased interventions to support #health, #wellbeing and all measures of #prosperity

So I was fascinated by this short review of the #HealthyNewTowns programme here in the UK.

Although I was out of #LocalGovernment by this point, I was in the #NHS. However, I recollect very little about the programme overall - which suggests to me that it wasn't that well promoted/communicated.
Or maybe that the events of the intervening years have knocked it out of my head...

A few things struck me from this write up:

- This is proper #System level work. The #healthcare service is just one part of the overall whole. Good to see #LocalGov called out more, but it would have been helpful to have the reflection that the healthcare system could only ever be an advisory partner in physical #PlaceBuilding initiatives (as our systems are currently set up)

- #ICB / #ICS don't speak the language of #developers. True. Most of the #PublicSector lacks this ability, although some improvements are being made. What the system needs is people who can translate across organisation types & purposes. (This isn't a personal plug, but it's what I happen to be quite good at :D)

- Sharing of #data. Yikes. The NHS can't even get that right inside its own walls. But it is fundamental to success. There are some really good #citizen science interventions which can help - but the Big Anchor Organisations (NHS, Local Gov etc) need to be brave and cede some control.

- This is pure opportunity for #SocialMarketing folk to get involved. Up & downstream influencing, nudges and system tweaks at scale - I can't think of a better opportunity, personally. And that makes me really, REALLY excited! #SocMar is my happy place, so I am biased, but I really see that it can use its tools for a huge amount of good. We just need to make a seat at the right table.

- -> On that last point, any #SocialMarketing / #SocMar / #BehaviourChange / #BeSci folks in the #UK working in/around this area and would be up for a chat?

What are your take aways from this article?

https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/blog/2023/05/healthy-new-towns-four-years-legacy-national-innovation-programme

#Urbanism #Urban #Development #System #Partnership #Town #Cooperation #City #Health #Healthy #Wellbeing