Place

We take a context-driven approach to design, looking beyond the red line to understand better how the landscape of the natural and urban environment works, the quality of place and how people move and connect. Because it is second nature to us, we may not always consider this approach to be innovative. However, with the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, the value of such an approach is gaining greater recognition from clients, governments, and the public. As an existential threat to humanity, the loss of species and degradation of our natural environment, combined with the impacts of climate change, mean we simply cannot continue with ‘business as usual’.

Green and blue infrastructure delivers functions such as surface water management and climate resilience, habitats for wildlife, outdoor play and learning and opportunities to connect people and nature within spaces which work in multiple ways. The design and integration of blue-green infrastructure is a fundamental aspect of creating new resilient places for people and nature.

The SLR Place team approaches every urban regeneration project in a site-specific way which is appropriate to the local conditions and challenges. This often requires the adoption of a community-led approach, emphasising mixed-use developments, affordable housing, and public spaces. It involves repurposing derelict areas, promoting sustainable transport, and supporting local economies. Collaboration between stakeholders ensures that redevelopment respects local heritage while fostering social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and long-term economic growth.

SLR’s Place team approaches the the design of public realm in a way which prioritises inclusivity, sustainability, and community engagement. It involves creating accessible, pedestrian-friendly spaces that encourage social interaction, support local biodiversity, and reflect local identity. The approach integrates green infrastructure, enhances safety, and fosters a sense of place through high-quality, adaptable urban landscapes.

Town centres across the country are facing multiple challenges including dramatic changes to retail provision and habits. The SLR Place team have been instrumental in preparing strategies and plans for town centres to be revitalised through mixed-use developments, improved public spaces, and support for local businesses. Initiatives focus on repurposing vacant buildings, enhancing pedestrian areas, and integrating green spaces. Digital infrastructure and cultural attractions are also boosted, fostering community engagement and attracting visitors and investment.

A Design Code is a detailed document providing guidelines and standards for the physical development of an area, ensuring consistent design quality, character, and sustainability across new buildings, public spaces, and infrastructure projects. SLR have considerable expertise in the drafting of such documents for a wide range of developments across the country.

SLR has a commitment to supporting the creation of strong communities through facilitating visions with residents and collaboratively planning for future-focused places. By revitalising public spaces, redeveloping sites, and creating new neighbourhoods, SLR balances today’s needs with tomorrow’s aspirations, fostering vibrant, resilient communities that connect people, enhance economic centers, and inhabit authentic places. 

The principle of 20-minute neighbourhoods (also referred to as living locally) is that infrastructure and services are embedded where they are needed by local residents to ensure homes are built close to schools, employment hubs, shops and healthcare and community facilities. By doing so, there is a reduced need for travel and movement by foot and by bike is actively supported and encouraged. SLR’s Place team has supported such principles and concepts for many years and our work always seeks to put people and residents at the heart of developments, supporting their needs and wellbeing.

Garden communities are sustainable developments which combine homes, jobs, and blue-green spaces. They prioritise quality of life, integrating nature, walkability, and community facilities. Designed for long-term growth, they support vibrant, self-sufficient, and environmentally friendly living. SLR’s Place team has undertaken the masterplanning and design of a number of Garden Communities.

Active travel includes walking and wheeling, reduces carbon emissions, improves public health, and eases traffic congestion. It fosters cleaner air, lowers healthcare costs, and enhances community well-being. Additionally, it supports local economies by increasing footfall in town centres and promotes more sustainable urban development.

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) are designed to manage rainfall in urban areas by mimicking natural water processes. They use features like permeable surfaces, swales, and green roofs to slow runoff, filter pollutants, and reduce flood risks. SuDS enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and create attractive green spaces that promote well-being and environmental resilience. This forms an important component of Blue-Green Infrastructure.

SLR has a recognised expertise in assessing strategic land and preparing vision documents which outline the potential for future development. These documents are frequently key in land promotion and local plan call for sites processes. This skill-set comes from our multi-disciplinary approach and significant experience in appraising sites in a full range of contexts and of different scales. Our approach is to really understand the site, assessing not only what physically exists and how it currently works, but also identifying where alternatives might be favourable and compatible. Progressing a vision for the future of the site is a critical skill, facilitating discussion about the direction a client group, institution, organisation, community or company wants to promote and the legacy they may want to leave for future generations.

Our work across urban regeneration often involves preparing place based promotional strategies which help local communities and authorities successfully attract and secure funding and investment, helping to deliver locally important projects. Our approach is focused on understanding the identity and distinctiveness of the places we work in and forming a responsive spatial strategy that identifies opportunities in a clear and compelling way. We work with collaborators to prepare Investment Plans, Place Propositions and Investment Prospectus that link spatial appreciationwith economic investment opportunity. We are able to communicate this in a visually compelling way, using GIS, graphic design and engaging visual communication. 

The importance of meaningful stakeholder engagement and communication is critical and SLR has extensive experience in a range of innovative approaches utilising a number ofengagement processes and approaches, including Place Visioning. These approaches change and adapt as we move through ‘listen and learn’ phases, appropriate to the stage of the project, to capture and extract the most from the engagement process and can include a combination of one-to-one interviews, ‘surgery days’, workshops, online survey tools, community open days and other appropriate techniques to creatively engage with the right people.