Could our UK Town Planners Learn a Thing or Two from Our European Counterparts? This is a question our marketing consultant Ingrid asked herself on a recent holiday to Spain…
Decades ago, when Ingrid first began visiting Spain, the Costa del Sol was a far cry from the polished, tourist-friendly destination it is today. Back then, infrastructure was basic at best. Roads were treacherous, walkways were little more than dusty, litter-strewn paths, and the air often carried an unpleasant aroma. While the stunning beaches and near-perfect weather always beckoned her back, the region itself had much room for improvement.
Fast forward to today, and the transformation is nothing short of remarkable. The coastal towns and cities of southern Spain have undergone a complete facelift, especially since the pandemic. The Ayuntamiento, which is the local municipal government responsible for managing and improving public services and infrastructure, has clearly stepped up, investing heavily in facilities that cater not only to the steady influx of tourists but also to the residents who call these towns home year-round.
One of the most significant changes Ingrid noticed was the creation of a sprawling boardwalk along the beach, extending for miles and seamlessly connecting smaller rural areas with larger cities. This boardwalk is now a hive of activity, bustling with people from all over Europe – the Spanish mingling with English, Irish, German, French, and Italian visitors. The once quiet, tucked-away beach bars that Ingrid used to frequent have transformed into thriving hotspots, packed with patrons. Where you once could wander in after a day on the sand, now you need to book your table well in advance. Alongside the bars and restaurants, new entrepreneurial ventures are popping up each year – boat rentals, pedalos, inflatable water parks, sun lounger rentals, and more – all establishing themselves as fixtures in the local economy.
It’s not just the beachfront benefiting from this surge of investment. Inland, towns that were once sleepy are now hosting vibrant fiestas that have evolved from modest local gatherings into grand, crowd-drawing events. Money is being poured into these communities to bring in top-tier artists, professional stage setups, and pop-up bars, creating a festival atmosphere that attracts tourists and locals alike. It’s a strategy that’s breathing new life into the towns, injecting them with energy and vitality that lasts well beyond the tourist season.
Even the retail scene is seeing a dramatic shift. New shopping centres are springing up everywhere, inspired perhaps by the commercial strategies seen in the United States or the opulent developments of Arab nations. These air-conditioned havens are bustling, filled with popular shops, and notably, void of the empty units that have become all too common in many of our own shopping centres. Entire floors are dedicated to family entertainment, reminiscent of Metro Land back in the day – proof that creating engaging, family-friendly environments can be both a cultural and economic boon.
While Ingrid may not be a town planner, years of working alongside Chris and the Planning House team have given her an eye for recognising the power of strategic town planning. What’s happening on the Costa del Sol is town planning in action – good planning that fosters a sense of community, encourages tourism, and supports local businesses. It’s not just about laying down roads and putting up buildings; it’s about creating environments where people want to live, visit, and invest.
Here in the UK, many of our towns and cities are struggling. Empty high streets, dwindling local businesses, and a general lack of investment have left many areas feeling stagnant. But surely there are lessons we can learn from our European neighbours. In Spain, the focus has been on creating connections – physical connections, like the boardwalk that ties communities together, and social connections, through events and developments that draw people in and keep them coming back.
Perhaps it’s time for us to take a page from their playbook. Could UK town planners, working alongside local authorities and entrepreneurs, foster the same spirit of regeneration? Maybe we don’t have the weather of the Costa del Sol, but we do have beautiful coastal towns, historic cities, and vibrant communities that are hungry for a revival. If we look to the successes of our European counterparts, we might just find the inspiration to reinvigorate our own towns and cities – making them places where both locals and tourists are eager to spend their time and money.
At Planning House, we’re passionate about creating sustainable, functional, and appealing spaces that contribute to the overall vitality of our communities. And while we believe in forging our own path, it’s always worth considering the lessons that can be learned from others who’ve faced similar challenges and come out thriving on the other side. The Costa del Sol stands as a great example of what can be achieved with a mix of smart town planning and entrepreneurial spirit – something we could certainly use more of here in the UK.
If you would like to inject a little entrepreneurial flare into your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
