What makes a successful 15-minute centre, and why? – transportxtra
The simple idea of ‘putting stuff closer together so it’s easier to get to the stuff’ is driving the popularity of 15 – 20 minute centres. But as the new Planning Bill is introduced, should we know more about the implications of narrowing travel patterns, the potential for inequality, impacts on travel demand and the big picture for infrastructure investment?
Compact centres are back on the agenda. They may be described as 15 minute neighbourhoods or cities – and, as ever, the more popular the concept gets, the more variants are proposed and discussed.
The common idea is to create a locality in which basic day-to-day needs can be met within a 15 minute walk or cycle from home – and with good transport connectivity, public transport options and digital links as part of the mix. With Paris currently leading the way, cities around the world have been enticed by this model for resilient communities.
Melbourne, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Ottawa and Seattle are among those working on similar plans, but have a range of differnt approaches to tackling the challenges.
