THE ESTATE AND SOCIETY


inequality problem, identifies four key factors that create an attractive, healthy, positive place to live. First, residents must have the ability to easily access both employment opportunities and essential public services such as GP surgeries, schools, and social care for the elderly. Ideally, of course, these services should be ‘on the doorstep’, but where that is not possible, good quality public transport should be available. Second, and perhaps trickier to measure, is a sense of community or belonging. This is created by the presence of tangible social infrastructure such as local community groups and facilities, but also the less obvious social capital produced by groups of volunteers and civic organisations. Even something as simple as a cluster of local shops and amenities that draws locals to congregate and interact can have a major positive effect. Third, a pleasant, walkable environment free of heavy traffic, with well- maintained buildings that complement the historic built environment. Finally, a commitment to improving and maintaining the natural environment, by reducing air pollution, facilitating the growth of native plant species, and ensuring that residents have access to plenty of natural light, both at home and at work.


A different approach for different locations


Clearly, not all places will seek to deliver these benefits in the same way. The ‘placemaking’ response to health inequalities in an urban setting will vary from that in smaller towns, to rural areas and coastal communities. Nevertheless, developing places along these principles will benefit local and regional economies, as well as health outcomes. The economic consequences of poor health are not only significant for individuals and families, but for the quality of life in the UK as a whole. According to Oxford Economics, UK GDP in 2015 could have been over £25 bn higher had it not been for the economic consequences of mental health problems. The cost of health impacts from air pollution, meanwhile, is estimated at up to £20 bn a year.


A holistic approach to promoting health and wellbeing


In practical terms, the placemaking principles outlined above will be deployed in a variety of contexts over the coming years. However, the most significant impacts could be delivered in large, mixed-use sites integrating research and development, employment, and


Mace’s research on the UK’s inequality problem identifies four key factors that create an attractive, healthy, positive place to live. These include residents being able to easily access both employment opportunities and essential public services – such as GP surgeries, schools, and social care for the elderly, and ‘good quality public transport’.


residential uses. Innovation districts have emerged as a way of regenerating disused or underused sites for this purpose, particularly in urban areas. While perhaps the most famous examples of innovation districts are found in Silicon Valley, the UK is not far behind. Its world- leading expertise in health research and innovation, and the presence of the NHS as an anchor institution in many towns and cities across the country, provide a particular opportunity to create new places which not only promote healthy outcomes, but also deliver substantial local economic benefits.


Emerging hubs


There are numerous examples of emerging local and regional hubs centred around health research and innovation. Plans for an innovation district in Leeds


were announced recently, with the £450 m redevelopment of Leeds General Infirmary the key proposal. Alderley Park in Cheshire, an out-of-town site, is home to some of the UK’s most significant life sciences research and development. London’s Knowledge Quarter, which has contributed so much to the regeneration of King’s Cross and Euston Road, is a coalition of partners including The Francis Crick Institute, The Wellcome Trust, and the Royal College of Physicians, among others. It makes sense to build on and extend the UK’s competitive advantage in health innovation by putting these organisations at the centre of our plans for the built environment. One development with a remarkable local impact is the new Proton Beam Therapy Centre at Manchester’s Christie Hospital, which opened in 2018. Mace was involved as the project manager for this ground-breaking new unit, which is now treating around 750 patients annually who would previously have needed to travel significant distances in the UK, or even to go abroad, for similar treatment. The centre is understandably a source of great pride in the south Manchester district in which it is located.


Working together


While policymakers and politicians are increasingly aware of the important role of health institutions in promoting economic growth and social wellbeing, we can do much more to ensure that the benefits of these developments are felt beyond the institutions within them. With health inequalities so stark, new hubs and innovation districts must play their role in promoting health and wellbeing within the communities in which they sit. To achieve this, government, healthcare providers,


The Proton Beam Therapy Centre at The Christie in Manchester. April 2020 Health Estate Journal 61


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