The 15-Minute City framework promises to revolutionize the way we live. It offers shorter commutes, improved work-life balance, and a more vibrant, connected community. By encouraging people to walk or cycle rather than relying on cars, it can reduce environmental impact, while investment in infrastructure, services and facilities can help communities thrive.

With potential benefits such as local shopping choices, better transport infrastructure, access to adult learning and job opportunities, and stronger local community schools, the 15-Minute City framework is an exciting prospect. However, it is not a panacea for all issues, and its advantages could be thwarted by lack of secondary school provision in some parts of the city, and limited local facilities in others.

Planning For an Effective and Sustainable 15 Minute City

Planning for an effective and sustainable 15-minute city requires careful consideration of the needs of the local community. To create a vibrant, walkable and bikeable neighbourhood, there must be easy and attractive interconnectivity of streets, twittens, cycle paths and green routes. A diverse and affordable housing stock must be provided, as well as places to work, schools, green or blue space, and high-quality public realm and built form.

Accessibility must be ingrained in the fabric, and the concept must be collaborative and community-led. By focusing on improving existing public realm and providing key amenities within a 15 minute walk or bike ride, we can create an environment that is attractive, safe and sustainable.

Addressing Affordable Diverse Housing Needs in Brighton

Wooden houses in trees (model)

Affordable housing is key to the 15 minute city’s success

Brighton is in need of more affordable and diverse housing. To achieve a 15-minute city, the city must provide a range of housing options to meet the needs of a diverse population. This includes providing housing for young people, families and the elderly.

The city must also ensure that housing is affordable and accessible to all. To do this, the city must create an environment that encourages developers to invest in affordable housing projects and provide incentives for them to do so.

Additionally, the city must ensure that planning policies are in place to prevent the displacement of existing communities and ensure that new housing is of a high quality. By addressing affordable and diverse housing needs in Brighton, the city can create a vibrant and inclusive 15-minute city.

Leveraging Local Work Spaces to Support Economic Growth

Brighton is a hub of creativity and innovation, with local work spaces providing the perfect platform for businesses to grow and succeed. By leveraging these local work spaces, Brighton can support economic growth and create jobs. Flexible workspaces in suburban and rural areas are in increasing demand, allowing businesses to expand and create new opportunities.

By investing in infrastructure, services and facilities, Brighton can create a vibrant and thriving 15-minute city. This could include increased access to adult learning, job opportunities and stronger local community schools. The 15-minute city concept promises a better work-life balance and shorter commuting times, making it an attractive proposition for businesses and workers alike.

Maximizing Accessibility of Local Amenities

Maximizing accessibility of local amenities is key to creating a vibrant 15-minute city. By providing easy and attractive interconnectivity of streets, twittens, cycle paths and green routes, residents can access all the necessary amenities within a short and pleasant walk or cycle ride.

This encourages people to use sustainable and healthy transport options, reducing the environmental impact of car use and improving air quality. Investing in infrastructure, services and facilities can also help communities thrive and contribute to carbon net zero targets.

This could include local shopping choices, better transport infrastructure, access to adult learning and job opportunities, and stronger local community schools. However, a 15-minute city is not a panacea for all issues, and not all residents will find it suitable.

Developing Sustainable Transport Options to Minimize Commuting Times

Brighton buses

Public transport improvements must be made in the 15 minute city plan

We must develop sustainable transport options to reduce commuting times and create a vibrant 15-minute city. Achieving this requires a shift away from car dependency and towards walking, cycling and public transport. This can be achieved through investment in infrastructure, such as cycle lanes, pedestrian-friendly streets and improved public transport links.

Additionally, initiatives such as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) should be implemented to reduce air pollution and improve air quality. By encouraging people to walk or cycle, we can reduce traffic congestion and improve the quality of life for all Brighton residents.

Promoting Community Collaboration and Engagement

Creating a vibrant 15-minute city requires strong community engagement and collaboration. By bringing together local residents, businesses, and government, we can create a shared vision for the future of our city. By working together, we can identify and address the needs of our community and create meaningful change.

We can also create opportunities for residents to participate in decision-making and take ownership of their neighbourhoods. This will help create a sense of pride and belonging and foster a greater sense of community. By encouraging collaboration, we can create a city that is truly alive and vibrant.

Enhancing Existing Public Spaces and Built Form

Public spaces and built form are essential for a vibrant 15-minute city. Enhancing existing public spaces can help create a sense of community and connection between citizens. To achieve this, streets and twittens should be designed for easy and attractive interconnectivity, with cycle paths and green routes linking the different parts of the city.

High quality public realm is also important, with well-maintained parks, plazas and squares providing places to meet and socialise. The built form should be attractive and inviting, with a focus on creating a welcoming and safe environment for all. By investing in these public spaces and built form, Brighton can create a thriving 15-minute city.

Incorporating Historical Context into Future Plans

Brighton has an impressive history that should be celebrated and incorporated into its future plans. To create a vibrant 15-minute city, it is essential to look back to the past and understand the city’s unique character. By taking into account the city’s past, we can create a better future.

The Garden City Movement, which the TCPA is currently leading on the revival of, is a perfect example of how we can draw from the past to create a better present. This approach can help create a city that is more connected, vibrant and resilient.

By understanding the development of Brighton over time, we can ensure that its future plans are in line with its historical context. This will help create a 15-minute city that is built on the foundations of its past, rather than one that ignores it.

Expanding Access to Amenities Within a 15 Minute Walk or Bike Ride

Living in a 15-minute city means having access to all the amenities you need within a short walk or bike ride. This could include grocery stores, parks, schools, libraries, healthcare facilities, and more. By expanding access to these amenities, we can create vibrant and connected neighbourhoods that provide a better quality of life for Brighton residents.

With improved infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian paths, we can create a safe and enjoyable environment for people to get around. This can help to reduce the need for cars and promote healthier lifestyles. Additionally, providing easy access to amenities could help to reduce social isolation and encourage people to come together and build strong communities.

Supporting Disabled and Elderly People’s Right to Mobility

It is essential to ensure that the elderly and those with disabilities are able to access all the benefits of the 15-Minute City concept. Accessibility should be ingrained into the fabric of the city, so that all residents can move around with ease. This could include installing ramps, widening pavements and providing accessible public transport. It is also important to ensure that the public spaces are designed with the needs of elderly and disabled people in mind, such as providing adequate seating and shade.

Additionally, providing more accessible green spaces for leisure and recreation will enable all residents to enjoy the outdoors. By creating a city that is inclusive, we can ensure that everyone has the right to mobility and the ability to lead a fulfilling life.

Reducing Environmental Impact Through Reduced Car Use

Car exhaust fumes

Reducing car usage is all part of the 15 minute city plan

Reducing car use is essential for creating a vibrant 15-minute city. To achieve this, we must invest in sustainable transport options that will make it easier to get around without relying on cars. This could include improving public transport infrastructure, creating more cycle lanes and pedestrian-friendly pathways, and encouraging people to walk or cycle.

It will also help reduce air pollution, reducing the environmental impact of the city. By making it easier and more attractive to get around without cars, we can create a healthier and more sustainable urban environment.

Fostering Local Tourism to Create Jobs and Keep Money in Brighton

Brighton has long been a popular tourist destination, but the pandemic has had a devastating impact on the local economy. To ensure that the city can continue to thrive and provide jobs, local tourism must be fostered. This can be done through encouraging visitors to explore and discover the city’s unique culture and attractions.

By creating an environment that is welcoming and safe for tourists, the city can benefit from increased spending and investment, creating jobs and keeping money within the local economy. Additionally, by promoting local businesses and attractions, the city can ensure that visitors have a positive experience, furthering the economic benefits of tourism.

Brighton is a vibrant and unique city that has much to offer, and by fostering local tourism, it can ensure a prosperous future.

Attracting Investment For a Thriving 15 Minute City

Attracting investment for a thriving 15-minute city is key to its success. Brighton’s local authorities must focus on creating a vibrant and attractive environment that will draw in capital to fund infrastructure, services and facilities. This will create jobs and opportunities, while also helping to meet carbon net zero targets. Investment in public transport, green spaces, and local amenities will make the city more attractive to businesses and residents alike, and help to create a sense of community.

A thriving 15-minute city will also bring in tourists, helping to boost the local economy and create jobs. By investing in the city, Brighton can become a model for other cities to follow, and help to create a more sustainable future.

Empowering Brighton Residents to Achieve a Vibrant 15 Minute City

Brighton residents have the power to create a vibrant 15-minute city. By incorporating their ideas and feedback into the planning process, their voices can be heard and their needs met. By investing in infrastructure, services and facilities, the city can be revitalized and the quality of life improved for all.

Through collaboration and engagement, local businesses can be supported, and a sense of community can be fostered. By encouraging walking and cycling, air pollution can be reduced, and the environment improved.

By opening up access to education and job opportunities, residents can be empowered to make the most of their surroundings. The 15-minute city is a chance for Brighton to shine, and its residents have the power to make it happen.