10-Minute Neighbourhoods: The Future Model

Imagine a world where every daily need from work, leisure, shopping, healthcare, green space, is just a short walk or cycle away. No traffic jams, no long commutes, just thriving neighbourhoods where people naturally gather, spend, and connect. In this vision, local high streets hum with independent cafés, creative workspaces, and pocket parks, all stitched together by safe, attractive walking and cycling routes. 

Just outside the capital, there is an area where this utopia could become a reality. Slough has a bold regeneration agenda and strategic location, making it the perfect area to be a testbed for the 10-Minute Neighbourhood model that not only reshapes urban living, but also unlocks powerful new micro-economies for those ready to invest in its future.

New Solutions for Homes and Communities 

The North West Quadrant in Slough represents an ambitious step towards creating a vibrant neighbourhood at the heart of the town centre. With plans to deliver up to 1,600 new homes alongside workspaces, retail, and high-quality public spaces, the carefully designed masterplan will transform a prominent site into a thriving, sustainable community. By attracting people who might otherwise pass through, the development will boost local businesses, create jobs, and strengthen Slough’s economy, both during the day and in the evening. 

The mix of housing, including affordable options, will cater to young families, professionals, and downsizers, creating a diverse and connected population. Thoughtfully designed amenities and green spaces will increase the sense of community, while encouraging walking, cycling, and local spending. The North West Quadrant aims to be an example of developing a model for liveable and investable communities. 

Reducing Car Dependence 

Slough Borough Council has a strategic objective of promoting sustainable modes of transport, which is why they reallocated road space to buses, pedal cycles, solo motorcycles, taxis, authorised private hire vehicles, zero emission vehicles and hire e-scooters. 

By making permanent the bus and cycle lanes, the experience for pedestrians have been improved while continuing to encourage cyclists and those taking the bus, which will reduce the number of car journeys, especially short journeys. This shift to more sustainable modes will reduce carbon emissions and improve public health.

Ten-Minute Town’ Concept

The 10-Minute Town idea is all about ensuring essential services such as shops, schools, healthcare, green spaces, and transport are reachable within a 10-minute walk, cycle, or public transport ride. Drawing inspiration from European best practices, this approach helps local authorities plan healthier, more vibrant urban neighbourhoods.

“Slough is uniquely positioned to lead the way in creating truly connected, accessible communities,” said Pat Hayes, Executive Director of Housing, Property, and Regeneration at Slough Borough Council. “With outstanding transport links, a bold regeneration agenda, and a strong foundation of green and cultural amenities, we have the ingredients to become a model for sustainable urban living.”

Slough is already well placed to embrace this concept:

• Exceptional public transport links: The town benefits from the Elizabeth Line and strong links to Heathrow, Paddington, and beyond, bringing London within a 20–30 minute journey and opening up incredible connectivity.

• Ongoing town-centre regeneration: The Heart of Slough project has revitalised the town centre with improved rail access, mixed-use developments, cultural facilities like The Curve, and a reimagined public realm.

• Green and social amenities within reach: Green spaces such as Herschel Park and Haymill Valley are local nature reserves within easy reach of the town centre, aligning it with 10-minute neighbourhood ideals. 

Influencing the Next Generation 

Slough is taking big steps to create healthier, safer and more sustainable communities, starting with the youngest residents. Thanks to new funding from the Department for Transport’s Access Fund 2, the Better By… campaign is expanding to help schools encourage walking, cycling and other smart travel choices. Through education, tools, skills and confidence young people are more likely to develop better habits that can last a lifetime.

Free initiatives for schools include:

• Bikeability Training – Boosting pupils’ cycling skills and confidence with extra training modules available.

• Cycle/Scooter Parking – Match funding to help schools install secure storage.

• Cycle Grants – Up to £2,000 for pool bikes, storage, events and clubs.

• Active School Travel – In partnership with Active Movement, a 3-month walking programme with rewards for pupils and teachers.

• Anti-Idling Campaigns – Cutting pollution around schools caused by stationary vehicles.

• Junior Travel Ambassadors – Pupils leading the way in promoting safer, active travel.

• Road Safety Assemblies – Training for pupils, staff and parents.

• Bespoke Travel Maps – Custom walking and cycling route maps for each school.

Building the Future Model

Through an intergenerational approach, Slough stands at the intersection of vision and viability: a prime location on the edge of London with the scale, connectivity, and ambition to deliver a nationally significant exemplar of the 10-Minute Neighbourhood model. With major regeneration already under way, a pipeline of high-value mixed-use development, and strong political commitment to sustainable growth, the opportunity here for institutional investors is to be part of a transformational scheme with the potential to set the benchmark for future urban living.