In a previous LinkedIn post (June 24, 2021), I was lamenting the fact that developers revisioning a town in the UK were taking their usual route - planning without deeply considering the real socio-cultural needs of the humans living there.
I was excited to read about a different town in the UK that is revisioning their downtown and basing it on the needs and cultural shifts of the humans living there. This bold little town of Stockton on Tees is investing in “social infrastructure” to envision the next chapter of why people come downtown.
They believe culture is shifting and in their case, the focus on retail and office to drive downtown traffic is outdated and losing relevance. To fill the void, they’ve developed this “social infrastructure” strategy to focus on community as the primary driver of traffic and vibrancy. Their redevelopment plans are focused on creating social spaces, amenities and community activity. For example, the river’s industrial history and storyline has been re-envisioned as a clean, fun, recreational and sporting destination, and a run down iconic historical theatre in town has been renovated to become a central driver of cultural gatherings.
Wellington Square shopping precinct in Stockton-on-Tees high street which is being redeveloped. Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer
As COVID thrusts trends forward, faster than anyone ever expected, how people live and spend their time is fast evolving too. It’s not exactly clear yet how our priorities will drive permanent change in how we live, but Stockton is putting their money on community. Everything comes full circle, right?
As Stockton releases vision sketches of the development plans, and real concrete changes are made in infrastructure, this town’s story is changing physically and in the hearts and minds of its residents. It seems like an obvious answer, but this type of change requires significant investment money and it’s hard to get business to place their bets on community amenities. That said, purpose does drive profits.
So, for anyone worried about the business model, I’d say be patient. Where there are people, there are eventually brands and profits. I think the town of Stockton on Tees is on the right path. Focus first on the people. The rest ($$) will follow.
Stockton on Tees high street will aim to promote local identity. Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer