20 Minute Neighbourhoods

What’s on offer?

The event centres around an interactive mapping exercise designed to facilitate discussion on how people experience their neighbourhoods, how they access services and social activities, and what factors deter them from travelling around the neighbourhood (e.g. fear of crime, concerns about road safety, poor pavement surfaces). You will have opportunity to examine and comment on the 20 minute neighbourhood areas in Manchester and Salford. The map will be on a large print display with post-its and pins/papers for you to add your comments. Dr Caglar Koksal, University of Manchester, and Graeme Sherriff, University of Salford, will both be available throughout the day to answer questions on the map and the underpinning research. There will also be an online version of the map for anyone to peruse the map and comment online - this will be available for one month.

What’s it about?

The concept of the 20 minute neighbourhood is generating growing international interest. The idea is based on living locally, with residents able to access the services and amenities they need within 20 minutes of their home whether by walking, cycling, micro mobility or using public transport. The benefits of this concept are multiple: people become more active, improving their mental and physical health; traffic is reduced, and air quality improved; local shops and businesses thrive; and people see more of their neighbours, strengthening community bonds. However, not all neighbourhoods are equal. There is a differential service provision between neighbourhoods – whilst some are well serviced and have plenty, high-quality amenities within a walking distance, others lacked necessary services. In this event, we showcase a map of Salford and Manchester in the size of A1 poster on a stand showing which households access to how many types of services within 20 minute walking distance.

We want to find out: Whether people think the use of 20-minute neighbourhood concept is useful to better understand their area; What services people think are essential to have within walking distance and how they would like to access other services; What factors limit the ways in which people use their neighbourhood and access the services they need?

Who’s leading the event?

Dr Graeme Sherriff, University of Salford and Dr Caglar Koksal, University of Manchester.

Open to

All residents of Greater Manchester and Salford.

Of particular interest to

Local residents.

Event booking deadline

The in-person event will last for one day, however the virtual map will be available for comment and discussion for one month.