Beyond housing numbers: building cohesive communities to foster health and wellbeing

by Shefali Kapoor, Director of Communities at Manchester City Council 

At the recent Quality of Life Symposium we explored a vital question: How do we move beyond simply counting housing numbers and create homes and neighbourhoods that truly deliver health and wellbeing? As Director for Communities at Manchester City Council, this is an issue I think about daily. While delivering enough housing is essential, what really sustains a community goes far beyond bricks and mortar.

The importance of mixed and sustainable communities

Mixed communities are key. We know that the most sustainable neighbourhoods are those where different groups of people come together, with opportunities for everyone. But how do we build places that foster this? It’s not just about providing homes; it’s about creating the right social infrastructure – schools, healthcare facilities, parks, and leisure spaces. These are the essentials that enable people to thrive, but even more critical is the human element. People are at the heart of communities, and creating environments where they feel connected and engaged is fundamental to wellbeing.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of amplifying the community’s voice. The best developments are those that involve residents from the very beginning, ensuring they have a stake in the places where they live. Co-designing neighbourhoods means people are not just consulted but actively shaping their environment. This builds a sense of ownership and belonging, which is crucial for fostering a cohesive community. It’s not just about creating outdoor spaces like parks but also ensuring there are indoor spaces where people can come together and build relationships.

Empowering communities through co-design

In Manchester, we’ve seen this play out in real life. A number of years ago, I was involved in the redevelopment of Maine Road, the old football stadium site. From the outset, we worked closely with residents, meeting regularly to involve them in decisions about the area’s transformation. While some plans – such as a proposed health facility – didn’t materialise, the process itself was invaluable. It showed that when residents are engaged, the results are stronger, and a greater sense of community is achieved.

Importantly, community participation isn’t just about involvement for involvement’s sake – it directly impacts wellbeing. When people feel they have a voice, whether through volunteering or participating in decision-making, it positively affects their mental and physical health. They feel more in control of their lives, and this sense of empowerment fosters resilience and cohesion within communities.

But it’s not always smooth sailing. Long-term regeneration projects can face setbacks, which can erode trust. We’ve had situations where projects stalled, and when there’s a long period of inaction, residents can feel left behind. It’s in those moments that maintaining open communication becomes even more critical. Rebuilding trust is essential when progress slows or unexpected challenges arise. Public sentiment can shift rapidly, and when trust is broken, we need to double down on efforts to reconnect with communities and demonstrate that their input still matters.

Designing for the long term

Finally, we need to take a long-term view of placemaking. A community’s needs evolve over time, and our planning should reflect that. It’s about designing spaces that are as suitable for young families as they are for older residents. We need to ensure that as people age, they can still navigate and enjoy their neighbourhoods, whether through small interventions like seating or larger considerations like transport links and accessibility.

Feeling safe is also non-negotiable. Communities flourish when people feel secure in their surroundings, and thoughtful design plays a big role in this. Whether it’s through better lighting, well-maintained communal spaces, or inclusive public areas, a sense of safety is paramount for wellbeing.

In summary, going beyond housing numbers means putting people at the centre. It’s about more than just delivering homes—it’s about creating communities where people feel connected, empowered, and supported, with the social infrastructure to back it up. Through ongoing engagement and a commitment to long-term planning, we can create neighbourhoods that truly promote health and wellbeing for all.