Research & evidence

The living places Priority Places were established to test and evaluate ways of integrating thinking about culture and sport into areas experiencing regeneration and growth. Five places were chosen, representing a range of spatial scales, from a single local authority to an entire region. Work in each Priority Place was led by a partnership formed of the cultural agencies, local authorities, local development and planning organisations and other stakeholders. Strategic direction was provided at a national level, and evaluation was commissioned to capture and share the learning which has emerged.

The Priority Places have achieved success under outcomes relating to influencing policy, developing an evidence base, attracting investment and support, and improving engagement between culture and sport and planning and development. Thank you to all of those involved with Priority Place work and with making the living places programme a success.

Living Places

Each year the living places Partners have commissioned a through evaluation of the programme, its achievements and what lessons can be learnt through work in each of the five different priority places.

Building on the year 1 and 2 evaluations, DC Research prepared a think piece, focused upon partnership working in the programme. This paper considers the lessons learnt from living places which are relevant to other place-shaping initiatives.

Partnership Lessons from living places, Oct 2010

living places Year 2 Evaluation: Executive Summary, Oct 2010

living places Year 2 Evaluation, Oct 2010

Further research and evaluation documents relevant to sustainable communities can be found on partner agencies websites including Arts Council, English Heritage and Sport England.