Public spaces show whether city growth is inclusive

Footpaths, markets, parks and public transport reveal who a city is designed to serve. When these spaces are inaccessible or poorly maintained, growth shifts costs onto pedestrians, older residents, children and informal workers. Good civic planning treats access and safety as core infrastructure.nnThe Northern Review will track public-space decisions alongside major projects and ask whether residents can actually use what is built.nn A growing workforce also increases demand for housing, transport, water and public space. The Northern Review will connect jobs reporting to the services that support workers.