Research on social infrastructure in the former mining village of Sacriston in County Durham has earned a prominent place in the High-Level Group’s report on the future of the European Union’s (EU) Cohesion Policy. The study, conducted by Redhills Durham in partnership with researchers from University College London (UCL), delves into the critical role of social infrastructure in fostering community cohesion.
The High-Level Group on the Future of Cohesion Policy, chaired by Professor Andrés Rodríguez-Pose of the London School of Economics, has accepted and endorsed the report titled “Forging a Sustainable Future Together.” This report, which outlines principles for the future reform of Cohesion Policy, highlights the importance of social infrastructure in achieving sustainable and inclusive development.
The EU Cohesion Policy, valued at €352 billion for the period 2021-2027, plays a crucial role in reducing regional disparities and promoting balanced development across member states. The High-Level Group’s report advocates for EU investment in social infrastructure in less developed regions, citing the Sacriston study as evidence of its importance.
Professor John Tomaney of UCL, who serves as the chair of Redhills Durham and played a key role in the research, emphasized the significance of social infrastructure in building community cohesion. In his testimony before the House of Lords Built Environment Committee on February 20th, 2024, he highlighted the need to invest in social infrastructure to address challenges faced by declining high streets. The Sacriston study provided valuable insights, reinforcing the need for these investments.
The impact of this research extends beyond academic circles, as it is actively shaping the development of Redhills community networks in the former Durham coalfield. By bridging the gap between research findings and practical applications, the collaboration aims to contribute to the revitalization and sustainability of local communities. The comprehensive research findings can be accessed freely here, and a recently published book titled “Social Infrastructure in Left-Behind Places” further expands on the research, providing an in-depth exploration of its implications and applications.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.