Green infrastructure

Green infrastructure is a broad term which includes many types of green spaces and features. It can include parks, water spaces and green elements of the built environment such as street trees, green roofs and green walls. Both individually and cumulatively (when considering a number of green features within an area), green infrastructure can provide a wide range of benefits including public health, environmental and biodiversity benefits.

With regard to town centres, the social role of these areas is becoming increasingly important, given the need to diversify to reflect the changing nature of retail. As part of measures to diversify and develop a unique offer that will attract people to town centres, the provision of green infrastructure could have a number of benefits, such as improving the public realm and providing green spaces where people can relax and socialise.

The provision of more green spaces could also assist with planning for recovery post-COVID.