Newyddion

The Welsh Government’s new Programme for Government sets out its priorities and ambitions for the current Senedd term, including commitments relating to housing, town centres, transport and public services.

For Design Commission for Wales (DCFW), the Programme provides an opportunity to consider how the quality of the built environment can support the delivery of these ambitions and contribute to positive outcomes for people and communities.

As DCFW Chief Executive Jen Heal explains:

“The design of the built environment has a big part to play in the delivery and support of the newly released Programme for Government. From the delivery of new affordable homes, to supporting businesses on the high street and creating an effective transport system – how we plan and design our buildings, infrastructure and spaces will have a lasting impact.”

Housing and the quality of places

One of the Programme for Government’s commitments is the delivery of 20,000 new social homes.

Alongside the number of homes delivered, their quality, location and relationship with the surrounding area are important considerations. Homes that are well connected to transport options, local facilities and community infrastructure can contribute to the creation of successful and sustainable places.

DCFW is currently supporting affordable housing providers through training, sharing learning and client support to help create the foundations for good design.

“The target of 20,000 new social homes is ambitious, and it is important that they are high-quality homes, in the right place, with good access to transport options and local facilities to support community development.”

Culture, heritage and town centres

The future of town centres is also closely connected to the quality and character of the places around us.

Earlier this year, DCFW’s Culture and Placemaking Conference explored the potential of engaging with cultural organisations to support town centres, alongside wider benefits for wellbeing, social connectivity and cohesion.

Culture and heritage can contribute to the identity and distinctiveness of places, while collaboration between different organisations and sectors can help communities consider new opportunities for their town centres.

Read more about DCFW’s Culture and Placemaking Conference

Taking a place-based approach

The built environment is connected to many different aspects of everyday life. Housing, transport, employment, education, health, culture and public space all influence how places function.

The Programme for Government includes an ambition to break down silo working and support greater community-led planning. This aligns with the place-based and people-focused approach promoted through the Placemaking Wales Charter.

Taking this approach means considering the relationships between different elements of a place, rather than looking at individual buildings, projects or services in isolation.

Planning for Wales’ future

DCFW will be feeding into the development of the new National Development Framework for Wales, in collaboration with its Sponsor Division in Welsh Government.

The current consultation provides an early opportunity to engage with the development of the framework and consider how future planning can support the creation of well-designed places across Wales.

Good design across public services

The role of design extends beyond housing and placemaking.

The design of schools, healthcare facilities and transport infrastructure can influence how people learn, receive care and access employment and other opportunities.

As Jen Heal explains:

“Good design will also support broader aspirations – well designed schools help pupils learn, well designed healthcare facilities help people heal, well designed transport infrastructure helps people access jobs.”

The Programme for Government provides a framework for action across a wide range of areas. Good design can support the delivery of these ambitions by helping create buildings, infrastructure and spaces that respond to the needs of people and communities.

“So, whilst not specifically mentioned, good design is critical to the delivery of the Programme for Government.”

DCFW will continue to work with Welsh Government, local authorities, housing providers, communities and partners across Wales to support a place-based and people-focused approach to creating better places.