Regeneration in Practice: Public Realm, Green Space & Car-Free Streets

Cities are changing fast. As we all adapt to life after COVID, shift toward greener living, and rethink how we spend time in our urban centres, places are transforming…and that directly shapes how people experience events, culture, and community. Regeneration today isn’t just shiny new buildings, it’s about creating spaces where people actually want to gather, linger, and connect.

Oxford Circus: Making Space for People Again
For years, Oxford Circus has been known for one thing: crowds, congestion and fumes. Now it’s getting a much needed reset. Plans include wider pavements, part pedestrianised streets, more trees and planting, and better lighting and seating, essentially turning a hectic crossing into a place you’d actually want to stop and spend time.

With TfL stepping in as highway authority and a new Mayoral Development Corporation leading delivery, the goal is simple: cleaner air, easier movement, and a more welcoming space that boosts footfall and supports local businesses. This is good news for the events industry – it opens up opportunities for more street-level activations, pop-ups and brand moments in a space designed for people, not traffic.

Mayfield: From Derelict Land to a City Centre Playground
In Manchester, the long-abandoned 24-acre Mayfield site is being transformed into something genuinely exciting. At the heart of it is Mayfield Park — 6.5 acres of green space with river restoration, biodiversity zones and active travel routes. Surrounding it will be 1,500 homes, new workplaces, food spots, and retail.

It’s a major public-private partnership (Landsec, Manchester City Council and others) built around sustainability: low-carbon construction, nature positive design and spaces made for community life. For events, this kind of regeneration creates fresh possibilities, from outdoor cultural programming to wellness experiences, markets and activations that make the most of a greener, more human environment.

The Bigger Picture
Urban regeneration now is all about people, how we move, gather, shop, relax and celebrate. Projects like Oxford Circus and Mayfield highlight a major shift…

👉 Cities are moving away from car dominance.
👉 Public spaces are becoming shared cultural stages.
👉 Regeneration is about people, climate and connection, not just buildings.

As more cities embrace this approach, it creates huge opportunities for placemaking, pop-ups and meaningful experiences. Start with the street, plant the park, plan for people, and suddenly the city becomes a canvas again!