Jo Riley, a headteacher in Hackney, describes her experience overseeing a primary school that is expected to close next summer as similar to dealing with a terminal illness. The closure of Randal Cremer and other schools in inner London is due to factors such as low birth rates, high childcare costs, Brexit, and the impact of the pandemic. The primary cause, according to Riley, is the unaffordability of housing. The mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville, calls it an “acute affordability crisis” and urges central government to invest in social housing and regulate rent prices.
The decline in children in London is not unique to the city, as other cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington DC are also experiencing a similar trend. The presence of children in a neighborhood shapes the provision of local facilities and amenities. However, poorer families are being forced out of London, leading to increased segregation and a less culturally vibrant and productive city. Paul Swinney, director of policy and research at the Centre for Cities, emphasizes the challenges of creating neighborhoods that cater to all age groups.
Designing cities to be child-friendly benefits not only parents but also the wider adult population. Children are viewed as an “indicator species” of a well-designed city, as their needs and safety considerations benefit everyone. Anthea Harries, asset management director at Argent, highlights how children bring vibrancy and diversity to areas like King’s Cross, benefiting businesses and creating a more inclusive environment. Tim Gill, an advocate of children’s play, argues that children contribute to a city’s humanizing and chaotic energy, making it vibrant and interesting.
Richard Lloyd, a sociologist, warns that cities risk becoming “rarefied” if families and artists can no longer afford to live there. Children are also crucial for building sustainable and future-proof neighborhoods. Neighborhoods with transient populations do not experience the same level of community engagement and attachment. Designing cities with a focus on diverse age groups, including children, expands the definition of a well-designed city and creates a more inclusive and thriving urban environment.
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