Health, housing and placemaking are central to regional economic growth

The relationship between infrastructure and public health has never been more important in relation to the future of economic development in the UK – according to a recent panel discussion on the topic of Health as a Growth Enabler at UKREiiF in Leeds, where a clear case was made for embedding health outcomes into the design and delivery of regeneration projects.

There is a growing consensus that an integrated approach is needed where health infrastructure, housing quality, and the design of public spaces are all levers for improving economic productivity, reducing public expenditure, and fostering inclusive growth.

Within this context good health, better homes, and well-considered placemaking are not just delivering social value but are themselves economic imperatives.

Health infrastructure

Health infrastructure is increasingly recognised as a strategic asset in local economies. The NHS, as the UK’s largest employer and second-largest public landowner, has the potential to act as a powerful anchor institution in this regard. Its presence in communities through its hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centres can stimulate regeneration, support local employment, and drive footfall in struggling high streets.

Recent examples of community diagnostic centres (CDCs) being located in repurposed retail units illustrate this potential - the AtkinsRéalis-delivered CDC in the Metrocentre in Gateshead is a working example.  These facilities decentralise healthcare, improve accessibility, and contribute to the revitalisation of town centres. They also challenge traditional models of service delivery, prompting a shift from centralised hospital care to community-based, preventative approaches.

The Community Diagnostic Centre in Gateshead delivered by AtkinsRéalis in October 2024. All images Andrew Heptinstall Photography

Better homes for better health

We know that poor housing conditions such as damp, overheating, and inadequate insulation, are directly contributing to chronic health issues, increased NHS demand, and reduced economic participation. Simply, if people are ill on a long-term basis they cannot work, impacting UK productivity and an individual’s wellbeing.

Improving housing quality is therefore a critical component of any growth strategy. Investment in social and affordable housing, alongside retrofitting existing stock, can deliver significant health and economic benefits. Through our social and affordable housing developer EDAROTH we are working to deliver housing to the highest quality for those in most need, which ensures a healthy, safe place to live and thrive. 

Where people live and their access to services and shops is key part of placemaking and the decline of the high street has been a persistent concern in recent years, exacerbated by the pandemic and changing consumer habits undermining that access. 

Regeneration schemes should support a choice for healthier living, access to nutritious food, active travel infrastructure, and community services. These elements contribute to the creation of thriving, walkable neighbourhoods that support both wellbeing and economic activity.

Placemaking and community wellbeing

It is well established that the design of public spaces, streetscapes, and community infrastructure influences physical activity, social interaction, and mental wellbeing. Creating environments that are safe, inclusive, and engaging is essential for building resilient communities.

As such programmes that encourage active travel, outdoor play, and civic pride have demonstrated tangible benefits. In one example, Burnley rebranded itself as an “Outdoor Town” following the success of a community-wide walking and cycling initiative. The programme engaged thousands of residents and fostered collaboration across schools, healthcare providers, and local businesses.

This kind of initiative illustrates the power of place-based identity and the importance of designing for belonging. We need to consider that health is not merely the absence of illness but a state of wellbeing enabled by the built environment.

However delivering health-led regeneration requires supportive policy frameworks and robust evaluation methods. Devolved decision-making allows local authorities to tailor investments to the specific needs of their communities. At the same time national policy must also recognise the economic value of health and provide mechanisms for cross-sector collaboration.

Measurement is key here and aligning health and wellbeing initiatives with established metrics such as those used by the Office for National Statistics, can strengthen the case for investment. These metrics are compatible with public sector business cases and provide a consistent framework for assessing social and economic returns.

Innovation also plays a role and the triple helix of partnerships between the public sector, private enterprise, and academia can facilitate experimentation and evidence-based decision-making.  As a sector we must be willing to test new models, learn from pilot projects, and scale successful interventions in order to deliver for communities and the environment. 

Towards a systems approach

The discussion by the panel really emphasised the need for a systems approach to regeneration if we are to deliver the necessary infrastructure. Health, housing, transport, retail, and community services must be integrated into cohesive strategies that reflect the complexity of modern urban life.

This approach requires collaboration across disciplines and sectors and demands that planners, developers, healthcare providers, and policymakers work together to design places that support wellbeing and economic vitality. It also calls for a shift in priorities from short-term returns to long-term value creation. 

Health is a growth enabler and by embedding health into infrastructure planning, the built environment sector can contribute to a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future.