Rob Richardson
@drrobrichardson.bsky.social
Lecturer in Urban Planning & Placemaking at University of @Manchester.ac.uk Department of Planning, Property & Environmental Management | Urban design, planning, place & policy | Own views
Pinned
Housing, poverty, and digital exclusion: the multiple ways in which digital inequalities and housing inequalities intersect
Given the importance of digital technologies in shaping everyday life, it is widely accepted that digital exclusion is a key facet of poverty. Relatedly, housing inequalities, and the broader struc...
doi.org
New paper on the interactions between housing and digital inequalities. It highlights how the built environment shapes experiences of digital exclusion, and that housing can be an important focus for improving connectivity. Particularly salient at a time of increasing digitalisation in planning🏠💻
Fascinating discussion on New Towns Taskforce Report to Government with @uomseed.bsky.social @alliancembs.bsky.social. Loads to digest from locations and community engagement to infrastructure and delivery. Glad to see placemaking a key part, with new ‘towns’ debate moving beyond housing numbers
November 10, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Fascinating discussion on New Towns Taskforce Report to Government with @uomseed.bsky.social @alliancembs.bsky.social. Loads to digest from locations and community engagement to infrastructure and delivery. Glad to see placemaking a key part, with new ‘towns’ debate moving beyond housing numbers
Reposted by Rob Richardson
Join the RTPI's #WorldTownPlanningDay 2025 online programme, which brings together case studies from the UK and around the world, fostering the exchange of ideas globally.
👉Register for the free webinars at:
www.rtpi.org.uk/wtpd
This year's theme is 'With Planning We Can'
👉Register for the free webinars at:
www.rtpi.org.uk/wtpd
This year's theme is 'With Planning We Can'
November 3, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Join the RTPI's #WorldTownPlanningDay 2025 online programme, which brings together case studies from the UK and around the world, fostering the exchange of ideas globally.
👉Register for the free webinars at:
www.rtpi.org.uk/wtpd
This year's theme is 'With Planning We Can'
👉Register for the free webinars at:
www.rtpi.org.uk/wtpd
This year's theme is 'With Planning We Can'
New paper on the interactions between housing and digital inequalities. It highlights how the built environment shapes experiences of digital exclusion, and that housing can be an important focus for improving connectivity. Particularly salient at a time of increasing digitalisation in planning🏠💻
Housing, poverty, and digital exclusion: the multiple ways in which digital inequalities and housing inequalities intersect
Given the importance of digital technologies in shaping everyday life, it is widely accepted that digital exclusion is a key facet of poverty. Relatedly, housing inequalities, and the broader struc...
doi.org
October 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM
New paper on the interactions between housing and digital inequalities. It highlights how the built environment shapes experiences of digital exclusion, and that housing can be an important focus for improving connectivity. Particularly salient at a time of increasing digitalisation in planning🏠💻
Reposted by Rob Richardson
The design of your city can help make you healthier, study finds.
(That should be ANOTHER study)
“A new study in Nature found when people moved from less walkable U.S. cities to more walkable ones, they increased their levels of physical activity & saw health benefits.”
www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
(That should be ANOTHER study)
“A new study in Nature found when people moved from less walkable U.S. cities to more walkable ones, they increased their levels of physical activity & saw health benefits.”
www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
The design of your city can help make you healthier, study finds
A new study in Nature found when people moved from less walkable U.S. cities to more walkable ones, they increased their levels of physical activity and saw health benefits.
www.cbc.ca
October 26, 2025 at 8:10 PM
The design of your city can help make you healthier, study finds.
(That should be ANOTHER study)
“A new study in Nature found when people moved from less walkable U.S. cities to more walkable ones, they increased their levels of physical activity & saw health benefits.”
www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
(That should be ANOTHER study)
“A new study in Nature found when people moved from less walkable U.S. cities to more walkable ones, they increased their levels of physical activity & saw health benefits.”
www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
Reposted by Rob Richardson
Five years on from the Government’s consultation on pavement parking in England and there is still no action.
Meanwhile, Susanne and her son Joseph, a wheelchair user, found freedom in Scotland, where there pavement parking is restricted. Read about their story here 👇 http://bit.ly/4hicmQe
Meanwhile, Susanne and her son Joseph, a wheelchair user, found freedom in Scotland, where there pavement parking is restricted. Read about their story here 👇 http://bit.ly/4hicmQe
Pavements are for people – not for parking
How the pavement parking ban in Scotland is transforming things for one family.
www.livingstreets.org.uk
October 21, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Five years on from the Government’s consultation on pavement parking in England and there is still no action.
Meanwhile, Susanne and her son Joseph, a wheelchair user, found freedom in Scotland, where there pavement parking is restricted. Read about their story here 👇 http://bit.ly/4hicmQe
Meanwhile, Susanne and her son Joseph, a wheelchair user, found freedom in Scotland, where there pavement parking is restricted. Read about their story here 👇 http://bit.ly/4hicmQe
This looks good, and definitely needed. This part of the city always feels chaotic to me, so a more pleasant and calm space like the plans suggest would really help
𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀
👉Plans unveiled to ‘put the gardens back into Piccadilly Gardens’ www.placenorthwest.co.uk/plans-unveil...
👉Plans unveiled to ‘put the gardens back into Piccadilly Gardens’ www.placenorthwest.co.uk/plans-unveil...
Plans unveiled to 'put the gardens back into Piccadilly Gardens' - Place North West
Manchester City Council has announced multi-million-pound proposals to upgrade the much-maligned public space as part of a two-phase project that will eventually include an overhauled transport interc...
www.placenorthwest.co.uk
October 18, 2025 at 8:13 AM
This looks good, and definitely needed. This part of the city always feels chaotic to me, so a more pleasant and calm space like the plans suggest would really help
Reposted by Rob Richardson
Do you work in planning, a housing association or housing policy in local or national government? 🏘️
Join us for this event on 26 Nov by emailing digital-solutions@manchester.ac.uk with your name, role, organisation and any dietary/access requirements.
Join us for this event on 26 Nov by emailing digital-solutions@manchester.ac.uk with your name, role, organisation and any dietary/access requirements.
October 15, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Do you work in planning, a housing association or housing policy in local or national government? 🏘️
Join us for this event on 26 Nov by emailing digital-solutions@manchester.ac.uk with your name, role, organisation and any dietary/access requirements.
Join us for this event on 26 Nov by emailing digital-solutions@manchester.ac.uk with your name, role, organisation and any dietary/access requirements.
Reposted by Rob Richardson
⏰ Deadline approaching for our Heritage and Placemaking survey! This is your chance to share your experiences and influence our upcoming report and #HeritageDebate2025! Complete the survey and submit your case studies by Friday 17 October ⭐️ forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...
Fill | Heritage & Placemaking Survey
The Heritage Alliance is planning to publish a report that showcases how heritage makes places better. This will explore how the heritage sector is helping to create vibrant, creative, thriving, and sustainable...
forms.office.com
October 6, 2025 at 9:01 AM
⏰ Deadline approaching for our Heritage and Placemaking survey! This is your chance to share your experiences and influence our upcoming report and #HeritageDebate2025! Complete the survey and submit your case studies by Friday 17 October ⭐️ forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...
Reposted by Rob Richardson
Some of the urbanism happening in New York City…is stunning.
October 12, 2025 at 5:22 AM
Some of the urbanism happening in New York City…is stunning.
Reposted by Rob Richardson
New blog post: Will ‘build, build, build’ put local planning at risk?
www.transportfornewhomes.org.uk/build-build-...
www.transportfornewhomes.org.uk/build-build-...
Will ‘build, build, build’ put local planning at risk? - Transport for New Homes
Will developers be able to bypass local plan production?
www.transportfornewhomes.org.uk
October 13, 2025 at 7:04 AM
New blog post: Will ‘build, build, build’ put local planning at risk?
www.transportfornewhomes.org.uk/build-build-...
www.transportfornewhomes.org.uk/build-build-...
Reposted by Rob Richardson
Please join us for the 3rd Brian Robson Lecture delivered by Professor John Goddard on 27 Nov 2025 at the University of Manchester. Book your place via the following Eventbrite link. We look forward to seeing you there!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/high-hopes...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/high-hopes...
www.eventbrite.co.uk
September 29, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Please join us for the 3rd Brian Robson Lecture delivered by Professor John Goddard on 27 Nov 2025 at the University of Manchester. Book your place via the following Eventbrite link. We look forward to seeing you there!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/high-hopes...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/high-hopes...
Reposted by Rob Richardson
Failing to adopt a national approach to 20mph as an urban/village norm in England increased 2024 casualties by 15,000 per annum and insurance costs by £2bn. Read our latest press release coinciding with the release of the DfT 2024 road casualty stats. bit.ly/4gIBPlJ
October 1, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Failing to adopt a national approach to 20mph as an urban/village norm in England increased 2024 casualties by 15,000 per annum and insurance costs by £2bn. Read our latest press release coinciding with the release of the DfT 2024 road casualty stats. bit.ly/4gIBPlJ
Feeling decidedly autumnal on the @manchester.ac.uk campus now. Great to see the buzz of activity as the semester and year gets going!
September 29, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Feeling decidedly autumnal on the @manchester.ac.uk campus now. Great to see the buzz of activity as the semester and year gets going!
Tempting to ask ‘when is a town not a town?’ but in fairness most of this feels about right. Placemaking principles especially - clear vision for each town, supported through development-wide master plans and design codes.
New Towns Taskforce: Report to government
www.gov.uk
September 28, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Tempting to ask ‘when is a town not a town?’ but in fairness most of this feels about right. Placemaking principles especially - clear vision for each town, supported through development-wide master plans and design codes.
Interesting day in Derby speaking with fellow placemaking researchers
September 26, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Interesting day in Derby speaking with fellow placemaking researchers
Reposted by Rob Richardson
"Infrastructure alone is not enough. Truly #justcities must prioritise #safety, #connection, and #dignity for the most #vulnerable. By centring care in planning, cities can become places where everyone can move freely, live well, and belong."
Read Jac Torres-Gomez and her family's #perspective
Read Jac Torres-Gomez and her family's #perspective
How Our Toddlers and Teenagers Must Be Seen as Planners not Passengers
An Intergenerational Call for Active Transport Justice
open.substack.com
September 24, 2025 at 2:19 PM
"Infrastructure alone is not enough. Truly #justcities must prioritise #safety, #connection, and #dignity for the most #vulnerable. By centring care in planning, cities can become places where everyone can move freely, live well, and belong."
Read Jac Torres-Gomez and her family's #perspective
Read Jac Torres-Gomez and her family's #perspective
Reposted by Rob Richardson
🚲 Today is World Car-Free Day!
Have you ever imagined a city designed for people, not cars?
Greenpeace Seoul teamed up with Korean cartoon artist @lazy.drawing to bring this vision to life 👇
Have you ever imagined a city designed for people, not cars?
Greenpeace Seoul teamed up with Korean cartoon artist @lazy.drawing to bring this vision to life 👇
September 22, 2025 at 6:11 AM
🚲 Today is World Car-Free Day!
Have you ever imagined a city designed for people, not cars?
Greenpeace Seoul teamed up with Korean cartoon artist @lazy.drawing to bring this vision to life 👇
Have you ever imagined a city designed for people, not cars?
Greenpeace Seoul teamed up with Korean cartoon artist @lazy.drawing to bring this vision to life 👇
Reposted by Rob Richardson
It's World #CarFreeDay! A day to imagine a world with fewer cars, cleaner air, and quieter streets with more space for people.
Helped by wonderful supporters, we are working to improve the alternatives to driving, so that more people can travel car-free EVERY day.
Helped by wonderful supporters, we are working to improve the alternatives to driving, so that more people can travel car-free EVERY day.
September 22, 2025 at 9:06 AM
It's World #CarFreeDay! A day to imagine a world with fewer cars, cleaner air, and quieter streets with more space for people.
Helped by wonderful supporters, we are working to improve the alternatives to driving, so that more people can travel car-free EVERY day.
Helped by wonderful supporters, we are working to improve the alternatives to driving, so that more people can travel car-free EVERY day.
Reposted by Rob Richardson
10 Best Ways to Celebrate World Car Free Day: Embrace Sustainable Mobility. #worldcarfreeday
momentummag.com/10-best-ways...
momentummag.com/10-best-ways...
10 Best Ways to Celebrate World Car Free Day: Embrace Sustainable Mobility
World Car Free Day is an annual event celebrated worldwide to promote sustainable transportation alternatives and reduce car dependence
momentummag.com
September 22, 2025 at 1:35 PM
10 Best Ways to Celebrate World Car Free Day: Embrace Sustainable Mobility. #worldcarfreeday
momentummag.com/10-best-ways...
momentummag.com/10-best-ways...
Reposted by Rob Richardson
It's the first day of Welcome Week and the campus is getting busy with new students! 🐝👨🎓🐝
If you're joining us as a new SEED student you'll find your welcome and induction timetable here 👉 rise.articulate.com/share/BLFuC8...
Join us at our Welcome Fair in Humanities Bridgeford St, Friday 9am-2pm.
If you're joining us as a new SEED student you'll find your welcome and induction timetable here 👉 rise.articulate.com/share/BLFuC8...
Join us at our Welcome Fair in Humanities Bridgeford St, Friday 9am-2pm.
September 22, 2025 at 12:33 PM
It's the first day of Welcome Week and the campus is getting busy with new students! 🐝👨🎓🐝
If you're joining us as a new SEED student you'll find your welcome and induction timetable here 👉 rise.articulate.com/share/BLFuC8...
Join us at our Welcome Fair in Humanities Bridgeford St, Friday 9am-2pm.
If you're joining us as a new SEED student you'll find your welcome and induction timetable here 👉 rise.articulate.com/share/BLFuC8...
Join us at our Welcome Fair in Humanities Bridgeford St, Friday 9am-2pm.
Reposted by Rob Richardson
Voices from the #GlobalPlacemakingSummit. Great conversation from @spacing.bsky.social's podcast @spacingradio.bsky.social.
With @placemaking-canada.bsky.social, @tjhfx.bsky.social, @andrew-pask.bsky.social
#PlacemakingCanada #Placemaking
With @placemaking-canada.bsky.social, @tjhfx.bsky.social, @andrew-pask.bsky.social
#PlacemakingCanada #Placemaking
On th latest @spacingradio.bsky.social, we bring you the highlights from the Global Placemaking Summit held at @evergreencanada.bsky.social. We speak to experts from around the world: spacing.ca/toronto/2025...
PODCAST: Spacing Radio 089, Global ideas for local placemaking - Spacing Toronto
In this episode we bring you the highlights from Global Placemaking Summit which took place in March at Evergreen in Toronto. First, we drill down into the meaning to the term with some of the event o...
spacing.ca
September 12, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Voices from the #GlobalPlacemakingSummit. Great conversation from @spacing.bsky.social's podcast @spacingradio.bsky.social.
With @placemaking-canada.bsky.social, @tjhfx.bsky.social, @andrew-pask.bsky.social
#PlacemakingCanada #Placemaking
With @placemaking-canada.bsky.social, @tjhfx.bsky.social, @andrew-pask.bsky.social
#PlacemakingCanada #Placemaking
Reposted by Rob Richardson
We've produced a wealth of guidance & resources to support those interested in long-term stewardship. On 16 October our webinar will explore the practical realities of ongoing management & stewardship of large scale new communities, & wider placemaking and governance. www.tcpa.org.uk/event/stewar...
Long-term stewardship - Town and Country Planning Association
Creating places which enable people to live healthy and fulfilling lives means providing the spaces, places and infrastructure that people need to live well and which enable the natural world to thriv...
www.tcpa.org.uk
September 15, 2025 at 9:54 AM
We've produced a wealth of guidance & resources to support those interested in long-term stewardship. On 16 October our webinar will explore the practical realities of ongoing management & stewardship of large scale new communities, & wider placemaking and governance. www.tcpa.org.uk/event/stewar...
Ending UK-Ireland Planning Research Conference 2025 in Belfast with a tour of the waterfront. Been a great few days packed with interesting conversations.
September 12, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Ending UK-Ireland Planning Research Conference 2025 in Belfast with a tour of the waterfront. Been a great few days packed with interesting conversations.
First visit to Bath, and definitely won’t be my last. The Georgians designed and built beautifully
September 6, 2025 at 8:54 AM
First visit to Bath, and definitely won’t be my last. The Georgians designed and built beautifully
