Support to improve health in urban environments

30^th September 2015

We’re supporting ambitious research into the impacts of urban living on people’s health.

 

Funded under the Wellcome Trust's prestigious new initiative, Our Planet, Our Health, the three-year project will provide valuable insights about current and future health costs and benefits of urban environments in order to inform future design.

 

As the first volume housebuilder to pledge its commitment to the project, we are offering the research team access to our portfolio of housing developments.

 

Starting in February 2016, the study will be led by the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) in partnership with urban planning and research consultancy, Daniel Black and Associates (db+a), and the University of Bath, with support from the University of Washington and United Nations University.

 

“It’s fantastic that Redrow are committing to this exciting research project. The links between health and urbanisation are complex, but there is an increasing urgency in tackling the health challenges that the Wellcome Trust are now focusing on, particularly those resulting from climate change, increasing population and urbanisation. Volume housebuilders play a key role in urban development in the UK and therefore must be central to the discussion.” Daniel Black, director of db+a and research project manager 

 

By 2050 the planet will need to support nine billion people, the majority of whom will be living in urban areas. Availability and access to essential resources, including food and water, is reducing, while incidence of extreme weather events and trends in non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardio-vascular and respiratory illness, are increasing.

 

“This is vital research if we are to ensure future development supports the health and wellbeing of those living there. We are pleased to support the research team by offering access to our current developments. We will be following the results of the study with interest so we can continue to be at the forefront of quality design and create sustainable communities for the future.” Nigel Smith, Redrow's research and sustainability director

 

The project will aim to demonstrate to decision makers the hidden costs to society of poor-quality urban development. In collaboration with partners on the ground, new models of urban development delivery will be developed where health and long-term health impacts are considered and integrated from the start.

 

For more information on the project visit www.wellcome.ac.uk.