Scotland is a sociable nation that thrives on community spirit. And a community is formed when people feel safe enough to let their children walk with their friends to school, and when they stop to chat with a neighbour as they pop to the local shops, pharmacy or library. This is what 20-minute neighbourhoods are really all about: local connections and possibilities, and enhancing people’s lives.
A “20-minute neighbourhood” may be a new term, but it’s not a new idea. They already exist, and many of us are living in them; most town centres already fit the bill. They are about making lives better, happier and more affordable, making places greener and adapting to the climate emergency.
At the heart of this concept in Scotland is a consultation the Scottish Government led earlier this year, framed around "living well locally": a phrase that sums up 20-minute neighbourhoods perfectly. If we want people to live good lives while in their local area - whether that local area is an existing town or a new build development - that experience would be enhanced if there were amenities in places where they’re easy to access.
For example, repurposing vacant buildings into housing and bringing homes closer to town centres can bring many benefits; by supporting local businesses, keeping existing services and amenities viable, and creating a safer and more pleasant environment. These can also make a town more attractive to visitors, which in turn means more benefits to the local economy.
This more sustainable and enhanced placemaking also opens up more choice for residents – for example, with good public transport options available, a family might decide it can manage with one car rather than two. And while this can be better for the environment, it can also benefit the family’s finances too.
Living in 20-minute neighbourhoods can also be even more cost-effective for people, in the broader context of affordable living. The concept of affordable living takes the question of cost one step further than simply looking at rent or mortgage payments. It also considers the expense, and time, of going about everyday routines such as attending school or work, accessing healthcare or shopping for groceries.
Increased opportunities to walk or cycle to get around also leads to better physical and mental health, which in turn may reduce strain on our National Health Service.
The principles of a 20-minute neighbourhood can also be an important enabler for local decision-making by local people, something that councils are required to consider as part of the Community Empowerment Act. So, if changes are being considered for neighbourhoods to make them "20-minute", there will always be a chance for communities to have their say on these plans at a local level.
I’d encourage anyone to visit a 20-minute neighbourhood like Leith, Kirkwall or Irvine - there are numerous examples across the country - and talk to the people there about how it has improved their lives, and created better opportunities and connections to the wider world.
Diarmaid Lawlor is Head of ‘Place’ at public sector infrastructure body, the Scottish Futures Trust
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