Public Space

The way we choose to divide, build and manage the space available to us in England is critical to defining where we feel able to walk and feel safe while doing so. Our streets, parks, squares and local shopping precincts sit at the heart of our communities and provide the fabric on which we paint our own lives.

It's natural for us to need space, to stretch out, gain perspective, indulge in the less familiar and enjoy each other, and yet many of the spaces we have to walk in - on paths and trails, footways and alleyways - are far from inviting and leave people either choosing to spend as little time there as possible or not walk at all.

A valued public space is a place where people can be seen sitting, smiling, chatting and laughing as well as walking. These places are known to us and popular but what is it about their design that works and how can we learn from them to improve the places that we choose to avoid?

Please send us photographs of your favourite places, tell us what makes them special to you and why you like walking in them.  If you are responsible for designing, building or managing public spaces please share with us the places you are proud of and tell us how you have done it to help others learn from your experience.