A new Urban Living Partnership has been launched bringing together researchers, businesses and local authorities to help build successful modern cities.
Aiming to address the challenges faced by urban dwellers, it will facilitate integrated research and innovation, helping these areas to realise their visions for the future.
Universities and science minister, Jo Johnson, said: 'As a One Nation Government, we are backing our great cities and towns, ensuring they drive economic growth, embrace innovation and have resilient infrastructure. This unique partnership will harness the UK’s world-leading strength in research and I encourage all aspirational cities to make their case.'
An investment of £2m has been made initially to create up to five pilot city projects. Researchers, local authorities, service providers and businesses will lead each project, integrating with engineers, ecologists, economists and heritage experts to use their diverse expertise to identify and address key interconnected challenges. These challenges range from community health and crime to social inclusion and employment.
The partnership will award funding of up to £400,000 to support each pilot project, with the ‘diagnostic’ phase starting in April 2016.
