Industrial and business parks are often underoccupied and draw a workforce from afar. The pandemic highlighted how people are keen to reduce time spent commuting. Many of these ‘parks’ are near rail stations. As the race to identify sites for New Towns and homes accelerates, it is a timely moment to look with fresh eyes at whether these large-scale sites could contribute to a solution to the housing crisis. New Towns need economic drivers. Sites occupied by light industry already provide this and provide an alternative to less sustainable greenfield development.

Drawing on international and national case studies, and best practice, a set of principles and guidance were articulated and applied to an existing industrial park to demonstrate that it is possible to intensify these sites. This entails exploring new housing typologies, integrating community infrastructure and more diverse commercial activity. These sites can also take advantage of green and blue networks to connect to adjacent centres, privileging active travel and ideally reconstituting ecological corridors.

Part I focuses on urban design guidance while Part II will bring planning, policy, economic development, logistics and retrofit to the challenge.

(With Arup)