Creating future-proof neighbourhoods

With a growing population and rapid economic growth, Greater Manchester is in the midst of a period of major transformation. Our region has the highest GVA growth rate in the country with over 11,000 new homes currently under construction. But as demand accelerates, how do we ensure the neighbourhoods we build today remain fit for purpose tomorrow?

This isn’t just a question for Manchester, its implications are nationwide. As a nation, if we can get back to our house-building best, we should be doing so with one eye on the future.

New developments need to be resilient, adaptable and sustainable in the face of environmental, technological and social change. They need to support human wellbeing over the long term while minimising environmental impact and accommodating future growth and innovation. Achieving this requires a shift in thinking by placing community, sustainability and adaptability at the heart of the design process.

In this short article, AEW Associate Director Mark Massey lays out a rough blueprint for how we can create future-proof neighbourhoods that work for everyone.

Let’s start with infrastructure, not just buildings

Too many developments still focus on the built form before considering the landscape and transport infrastructure that supports it. To me, this seems like putting the cart before the horse.

Creating a sustainable neighbourhood means starting with the basics. Understanding the place and surroundings is critical to any design. Community engagement from the outset is also critical to providing a truly integrated development. Through this collaborative approach to design, we can better understand the local needs for transport and green infrastructure and local services. This approach to design not only supports healthier lifestyles but can also improve development viability by making places more desirable to live.

This principle of collaborative design underpinned our work on the Sale West regeneration, where early investment in community engagement helped provide public spaces and community facilities which set a strong foundation for the wider neighbourhood masterplan.

Prioritise sustainability and resilience

Another aspect of future-proof neighbourhoods is sustainable design. Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) policy for Net Zero carbon buildings means we must reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy and adopt passive design principles that minimise the need for mechanical heating and cooling. Nature should be stitched into the urban fabric with features like urban forests, tree-lined streets, wildflower planting and sustainable drainage, helping to manage water, reduce overheating and support biodiversity.

Equally important is resilience. Our neighbourhoods must be able to withstand climate events, flooding and economic disruption. That means strengthening local infrastructure, decentralising energy and water systems and building in redundancy wherever possible. The GMCA Net Zero policy together with Places for Everyone will shape how future developments will emerge for years to come.

Design for flexibility and adaptability

The best neighbourhoods evolve with their communities. This means embracing mixed-use development and designing homes and public spaces that can adapt to changing lifestyles, technologies and demographics.

A variety of housing typologies is essential, from apartments to family homes and later living options that provide a truly wide range of dwellings and promote a truly sustainable and inclusive neighbourhood. At our Fletcher Street project in Stockport, we focused on creating an inclusive offer with true family housing featuring multiple ground-floor spaces alongside affordable homes and community hubs. This allows people to stay in their neighbourhood across life stages, supporting long-term social sustainability.

I also see opportunities to future-proof homes through adaptability, ensuring spaces can evolve as people’s needs change without forcing them to move out of their community.

Champion active and public transport

Reducing reliance on cars is critical for both sustainability and community wellbeing. Well-designed walking and cycling networks supported by high-quality public transport should form the backbone of every neighbourhood. Compact walkable places with accessible amenities allow people to meet more of their daily needs locally, reducing traffic and improving air quality.

Transit-oriented development, where homes are clustered around public transport links, is central to our approach on several schemes across the region.

Build communities not just houses

At the heart of every successful neighbourhood is a strong, connected community. Through early and meaningful community engagement, we can shape developments that reflect local needs and encourage social interaction.

Loneliness is a growing challenge in modern society, but thoughtful design can help address this. By providing community spaces and designs that encourage neighbourly encounters and overlooked public spaces, we can foster a sense of belonging and inclusion.

Our approach to community engagement on projects like Sale West and Fletcher Street has shown how listening to residents at the outset can create more inclusive, resilient and popular neighbourhoods.

Designing for the long term

Creating future-proof neighbourhoods is about designing places that will thrive for generations. It requires a holistic approach that balances sustainability, adaptability and community underpinned by robust infrastructure and a deep understanding of place.

With a wave of new development happening across Greater Manchester, now is the time to reset our expectations. By putting these principles into practice, we can create neighbourhoods that are healthier more resilient and better connected, ensuring lasting value for residents, developers and the city as a whole.