Why social infrastructure holds the key to stronger, thriving communities

A recent report from the Bennett Institute for Public Policy found that successful places rely not only on homes but also on essential community facilities that connect people, support wellbeing and provide economic opportunities. From university campuses and schools to healthcare facilities, transport interchanges and public spaces, social infrastructure plays a critical role in making regions, towns and cities thrive.

What is meant by social infrastructure?

Social infrastructure refers to the services and spaces that shape our everyday lives; hospitals that provide vital healthcare, schools and universities that equip people with skills for the future, transport networks that keep communities connected, and high streets that serve as social and economic hubs. They are essential for ensuring that regeneration creates meaningful value.

Any regeneration must address modern challenges - from rapid technological advancements to evolving community needs. Spaces have to be flexible and multi-purpose, so that they can evolve over time, and ensure investments deliver value for future generations. Empowering local decision-making is a vital aspect of achieving this.

Devolution: empowering local decision-making for better outcomes

With growing momentum towards devolution across the UK, local and regional authorities are gaining greater autonomy to shape their own futures. It presents them with the opportunity to plan, invest and deliver infrastructure that directly responds to local and regional needs and priorities, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. However, realising the full potential of devolution often requires local government and private sector collaboration.

Public and private sector collaboration to support local and regional regeneration

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a crucial role in regeneration, with the public sector bringing long-term vision, regulatory oversight and community focused objectives, and the private sector contributing investment, innovation and operational expertise. These partnerships accelerate the pace of regeneration, unlock funding opportunities and ensure that projects are both financially viable and aligned with community needs.

Stockport Interchange stands as a powerful example of how PPPs can drive transformative urban regeneration. It has delivered far more than improved transport infrastructure; it created a vibrant gateway to the town and region, enhancing connectivity for residents and visitors while supporting local economic growth. This development has been integral in revitalising Stockport, attracting investment and setting a new benchmark for future town centre regeneration, demonstrating the benefits of well-executed partnerships.

For such partnerships to succeed, a shared vision, clear governance and strong stakeholder engagement are essential. By creating transparent relationships between local authorities, developers, and community groups, PPPs can drive lasting positive change, ensuring towns and cities remain dynamic and inclusive.

Delivering a future that works for everyone

Prioritising social infrastructure is a fundamental part of creating places where people can thrive. By learning from the past, embracing devolution and creating strong public-private partnerships, communities can be built that are economically resilient, socially inclusive and future-ready.

Regeneration isn’t just about bricks and mortar - it’s about people.

Read more here to find out how we can help create spaces that strengthen social infrastructure to better serve community needs.