Lancaster chosen to participate in global urban health programme
Lancaster has been chosen as one of the first five cities across the globe to take part in a groundbreaking new project that will explore the relationship between the urban environment and public health.
Following a call launched on World Health Day last year, Lancaster City Council submitted an application to become part of the Healthy Cities Programme.
Healthy Cities is a global organisation dedicated to helping urban areas become healthier, more sustainable, and more liveable. The city council applied with the hope of being able to incorporate the outcomes of the programme into future policies in its emerging Local Plan, and was successful following a competitive process.
Sue Tyldesley, Lancaster City Council’s cabinet member for planning, said: “Being accepted on to the Health Cities programme is a considerable achievement and a real coup for Lancaster. We are particularly pleased that the application feedback recognised the council’s commitment to improving urban health.
“It is increasingly understood that the quality of our urban environment impacts our mental and physical wellbeing. Our collaboration with the Healthy Cities Team and other local partners will offer practical suggestions for change that can contribute to a healthier, resilient and sustainable city. We look forward to working with them during 2026.”
Each selected city will receive a free urban health quick scan to establish the city’s baseline data with suggested priority areas for intervention.
Other elements of the programme include:
- Access to the professional features of a Healthy Cities Generator, which is an interactive model with practical guidance for incorporating health outcomes into planning
- A structured assessment to identify the city’s vulnerabilities and priorities linked to urban health
- Actionable insights that are aimed to shape healthier urban development and support wellbeing
For more information on Healthy Cities visit https://healthy-cities.com.
Last updated: 12 January 2026