Reflecting JTP’s refreshed approach to engage younger and more diverse audiences, the publication captures the voices, ideas and aspirations of what young people want from the future places they live in and the communities they hope to call home. Drawing on JTP’s active programme of research conducted throughout 2025, the publication brings together findings from four distinct engagement processes. These include workshops and interviews with residents at our legacy project Alconbury Weald in Huntingdon; a youth-focused Future of Place Workshop for participants aged 16-30; and innovative co-design approaches delivered as part of our consultation work at Chrisp Street Market in Poplar and the former Pentland Group Campus at Finchley Lakeside, Squires Lane in Barnet.
Across all four projects, strong and consistent themes emerged: affordable homes, access to green space, safe and walkable streets, vibrant community life and ultimately a deep desire to feel heard. The experience of listening to and engaging with young people was enlightening and inspirational, exceeding our expectations in the thoughtfulness and maturity they brought to the conversation.
Our publication also showcases JTP Engages – our refreshed engagement methodology and approaches targeted to a younger generation that blend digital tools, social media, AI visualisation and creative in-person events to reach audiences that traditional consultation processes too often miss.
At a time when record numbers of young people are leaving the UK and when the voices of younger generations remain chronically underrepresented in the planning process, the Future of Place is a timely reminder why meaningful engagement with younger communities matters more than ever. Our research uncovered the voices and views of an often forgotten demographic and their real appetite to get involved and be heard.
The communities we design today will define the quality of life experienced by the next generation for decades to come. Their insights, creativity and expectations should be at the centre of every decision we make. And when designing the new places and communities of tomorrow, we should always be asking; What is the Future of Place?
To read JTP’s Future of Place publication, please follow this link.
