A SURVEY of 1,000 residents of England’s post-war new towns – including Warrington and Runcorn – has revealed that only four per cent describe their town as “nice”.
Words like “boring,” “ugly,” and “run-down” were much more likely to be used.
Even more striking, less than half of residents said the buildings where they live make them feel proud (46%) or valued (41%).
The survey, commissioned by the Humanise Campaign and conducted by Thinks Insight & Strategy, reveals a deep aspiration gap. Few feel good about how their town looks today and there’s overwhelming demand for a new approach. More than 80 per cent of respondents want future new towns to feature buildings that inspire pride, create belonging and bring joy.
It comes as the Government is preparing its final recommendations for a new generation of new towns.
Residents are not rejecting the need for new housing. In fact, 94 per cent prioritise good-quality, durable homes. But people want more than just units—they want homes and places they can feel proud of. Nearly 90 per cent said that future new towns should regenerate run-down areas into joyful, meaningful places to live. Seventy six per cent said that buildings should add character and visual interest.
Thomas Heatherwick, campaigner and design director at Heatherwick studio said: “For too long, we’ve built towns people accept but do not enjoy. The old new towns gave us roads, homes and parks —but forgot the human soul. Research shows that bland, lifeless facades wear people down. Now we have the evidence, the public support and the science to do better. The next wave of new towns must lift us up—places that spark joy, support our minds and make streets feel alive. The view from the pavement matters. Every wall should care for us, not ignore us.”
The data shows younger residents are especially receptive to more expressive, imaginative design—75 per cent of 18–25-year-olds responded positively to characterful buildings. Yet most said they have little awareness of what a “New Town” even is, offering a clean slate for a bold, human-centred redefinition.
The UK Government has committed to delivering a new wave of new towns to meet housing need and drive regional renewal. The Humanise Campaign offers a ready-made public mandate—and a science-backed case—to embed human-centred, emotionally nourishing design from day one.
With the New Towns Taskforce expected to recommend a list of places new towns could potentially be located in July, campaigners say there’s still time to embed this learning in their final report—and ensure that Britain’s next new towns truly serve the people who will walk their streets every day.
Warrington was designated a New Town 1968 and the first homes were built in 1972. Runcorn New Town was designated in 1964. The two development corporations were amalgamated in 1981.
The recently demolished New Town House in Warrington was described as the ugliest building in town.
1 Comment
And what’s being built today Is no better !