Research

A Tale of Two Towns: Exploring How Deprivation Takes Shape Across England

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:29:00 GMT

Reese Green compares Colne and Cramlington, two English towns in the most deprived ten percent, to show how similar overall deprivation scores mask very different challenges. Through data visualisation, this story reveals why understanding these distinct patterns of deprivation is crucial for effective policy interventions and resident wellbeing.

Image from OPTIMA open day
Image from OPTIMA open day

From Tea to the Train in 20? Exploring Local Living through Public Engagement

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 11:29:00 BST

Reese Green reports on recent public engagement work. "What would your perfect neighbourhood look like—where you could reach everything you need on a daily basis in a short walk or wheel? What's on your doorstep—and what's missing?" These were the questions researchers from the University of Glasgow posed to the public at WestFest's Byres Hub Community Day and the Glasgow Science Festival.

OPTIMA Webinar: The planning system in Scotland

OPTIMA Webinar: The planning system in Scotland

We invited Euan Leitch, Chief Exec of Scotland’s Regeneration Forum (SURF), to talk to us about the planning system in Scotland, and to what extent it might help deliver the national plans for 20-minute neighbourhoods.

Image of city and rural area
Image of city and rural area

Potential Harms of 20 Minute Neighbourhoods

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 09:58:00 GMT

Jonathan Stokes looks at the potential harms of 20 minute neighbourhoods

Wolfson Medical School Building
Wolfson Medical School Building

The Potential Benefits of 20 min neighbourhoods

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:06:00 GMT

Corinna Elsenbroich shares some of the benefits of 20 minute neighbourhoods

Publications