Within our industry, are we becoming too focused on measuring rather than delivering more social impact?

From Placemaking London’s experience, working with a range of stakeholders, we believe that there is more social value out there to be realised. There is potential to maximise social value for local communities by thinking, planning and delivering better places.

Social impact can be amplified through simple design changes to new developments and public realm projects. These changes are not at an additional cost, can add commercial value and deliver much more social value for communities.

Looking beyond measuring and quantifying social value, its delivery can, and must, become an essential component in the planning, place-shaping and design processes to fulfil the potential of places for communities. Not least of all, design reviews need to look at new proposals in terms of the social value they can add and make recommendations to help the designer and developer or scheme promoter.

Let’s keep social value at the top of the agenda. Let’s think about it throughout the life cycle of a project, but we must not let the numbers distract us from delivering the best possible lived experiences and outcomes for local communities.

Miranda Kimball is an Associate Director with Placemaking London and co-developed its PLUSSSIV approach to delivering social value, which can be seen here: https://www.placemaking.london/social-impact-places