This research from The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) explores the link between the quality of public spaces and health and wellbeing, highlighting the potential role of design in combating major public health problems and delivering significant NHS savings.

Looking at London and England’s eight Core Cities – Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield – the findings show that the areas of our cities with the poorest health outcomes had the least amount of green space.

The report calls for action from local government, central government and developers in encouraging healthier lifestyles through healthier local environments.

Photo credit: Liverpool waterfront by Declan McAleese