Sustainable Towns and Cities need Vibrant Commercial Communities

When I worked in business publishing, thirty years or so ago now, one of the big treats was receiving the Stanford Research Institute papers as they were issued, each one playing apart in shaping the future. Stanford University must be the most successful university in the world in supporting start-ups and scale-ups and powering Silicon Valley.

It is a model which is emulated around the world albeit different places have different needs, local characteristics, and opportunities. In England, the Cambridge University Science Park is one of the oldest and impactful. World leading, industry-focused universities drive innovation. The Oxford to Cambridge Corridor, if it realizes at least some of its potential, could transform sustainable growth in Britain.

In my local area, Teesside University, my alma mater has been transformative in reimagining the business ecosystem in the area and implementing practical programs to support new businesses. One longstanding initiative is the DigitalCity, whose longevity itself has been a factor in moving from helping digital start-ups in fields such as gaming and animation, to supporting scaleups to the adoption of digital systems in non-digital businesses. ?A 2023 survey demonstrated the impact of the program:

Economic Contribution

·?????? Over the last two decades, DigitalCity has added nearly ￡53 millions of value to the local economy.

·?????? For every ￡1 invested in the project, it has returned more than 11 times that amount, making it outstanding value for money.

·?????? Cumulative net Gross Value Added (GVA) within the Tees Valley economy is estimated at around ￡52.97 million.

Benefits to Businesses

·?????? Businesses supported by DigitalCity reported increased productivity, business resilience, and the development of new products and services.

·?????? The initiative equips organizations with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to thrive in today’s digital world.

Continued Expansion

·?????? Teesside University continues its ambitious expansion with plans for a ￡40 million Digital Life building at the heart of the Middlesbrough campus.

·?????? Set for completion in spring 2025, this development will enhance digital teaching and learning, building on the transformative impact of the Campus Masterplan.

Not all communities are the same, and not all solutions will be the same. I was based in AlUla in Saudi Arabia until recently and played a part in its economic and social development. The economic drivers for growth and wealth creation are sustainable tourism, generating wealth by creating access to AlUla’s historic sites, archaeology, heritage, culture, landscapes, and wildlife. Here several initiatives to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in the region have been implemented by the The Royal Commission for AlUla . Notably:

Vibes AlUla Accelerator Program

·?????? This program enables entrepreneurs in the AlUla governorate to grow their businesses.

·?????? Qualified businesses participate in a 12-week in-person program with intensive training led by industry experts.

·?????? Key areas covered include guidance, mentorship, and preparation to become investment-ready SMEs.

·?????? Sectors targeted include food and beverages, tourism, and hospitality.

SME Hub

·?????? AlUla’s SME hub provides shared mentorship, programs, services, and office spaces.

·?????? Around 80 budding entrepreneurs have been trained in first-step business principles, and 60 micro and small businesses have received support.

These initiatives aim to foster local SMEs, contribute to AlUla’s economic growth, and empower businesses in the region. Less formally, AECOM’s mCircles provided peer mentoring and support to female entrepreneurs to develop themselves and their businesses and take charge of their destiny. Looking to the future, the development of the university sector in AlUla will broaden the start-up and scale-up base.

To generalize, urban planning plays a pivotal role in shaping cities, and vibrant commercial areas are essential components of well-designed urban environments. While large scale investments may be made in transforming cities and neighbourhoods, it is often local businesses that make them a great place to live. Great urban design provides the opportunity for local businesses to thrive.

Economic Growth and Job Creation

·?????? Vibrant commercial areas—think bustling markets, lively shopping districts, and thriving business hubs—drive economic activity.

·?????? Local businesses generate jobs, stimulate spending, and contribute to tax revenues.

·?????? By encouraging their development, urban planners foster prosperity and financial stability.

Community Interaction and Social Fabric:

·?????? Local businesses?serve as gathering points. Cafés, boutiques, and neighborhood stores create spaces for people to connect.

·?????? These interactions build social bonds, enhance community cohesion, and combat urban isolation.

·?????? Vibrant commercial areas become the heart of a neighborhood, where residents meet, share stories, and form relationships

Walkability and Livability

·?????? Pedestrian-friendly streets?with shops, restaurants, and services make urban life enjoyable.

·?????? When people can walk to nearby businesses, it reduces car dependency, traffic congestion, and pollution.

·?????? Well-designed commercial areas enhance overall quality of life.

Cultural Identity and Character

·?????? Local businesses?often reflect the unique flavor of a community.

·?????? Quirky bookstores, family-owned bakeries, and art galleries contribute to a city’s identity.

·?????? Urban planners should preserve and celebrate this diversity.

Resilience and Adaptability

·?????? Diverse commercial ecosystems?withstand economic shocks better than monocultures.

·?????? When a neighborhood relies solely on large chains, it becomes vulnerable.

·?????? Supporting local businesses ensures a resilient urban fabric.

Mixed-Use Development

·?????? Integrate commercial spaces?within residential areas (mixed-use zoning).

·?????? Imagine a ground floor with a café, co-working space, and a fitness center—all serving residents.

·?????? This synergy creates a microcosm of urban life, fostering vibrancy.

In summary, vibrant commercial areas aren’t just about commerce; they’re about community vitality, culture, and resilience. I was fortunate to spend time in the Coconut Grove district of Miami earlier this summer and saw an exemplar of these observations. It is a neighbourhood that has developed over time, with careful planning and oversight.

Sarah Alanazi Raghad ALzhufi Maeen Alzhufi Dr Charles Margerison Reem Alamri Maram Albalawi Kinnar Patel Aline Carvalho MBA MSc BArch APM Jozi Brown Alan Higgins Jay Mistry Willem de Jonge MEnvSci ENV SP Lauren Sibley David Dixon Rachel Teate Luluwh AlMajed