£25,000 for SME's to develop public space health innovations

Connected Places Catapult has launched an initiative inviting small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop public space interventions aimed at improving the health of young people in Barking, east London – particularly around the River Roding area.

The project, part of the newly formed Public Realm Innovation Lab, offers up to £25,000 in funding per selected applicant, with trial support and access to a consortium of local partners. Applications are open until 5pm on Monday 3 November.

Backed by Innovate UK, the Public Realm Innovation Lab is a collaboration between Connected Places Catapult and the River Roding Health Corridor consortium, which includes Arup, Be First (the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham's regeneration agency), Care City, Makower Architects, and NHS North East London. The consortium aims to shape healthier placemaking practices and influence urban planning policies.

The call for proposals focuses on addressing childhood obesity by making public spaces more inclusive, inviting and better connected. Barking and Dagenham has the highest proportion of under-18s in England and Wales, with nearly 29% of residents under the age of 18. The borough also faces one of the highest rates of childhood obesity nationally, with over 31% of Year 6 children classified as obese.

The River Roding corridor, highlighted by the consortium as an underutilised natural asset, is the geographical focus of the initiative. Three specific sites have been identified for potential interventions: Harts Lane Estate, Barking Barrage, and the River Roding viewing platform. Up to four innovations will be selected for funding and piloting.

Alan Welby, Managing Director for Built Environment and Local Growth at Connected Places Catapult, said the initiative provides a platform for innovative ideas to be tested in real-world conditions. "If you have a groundbreaking innovation that could respond to our challenge, and that you want to test in a real-life environment, I encourage you to apply," he said.

The programme emphasises community-led innovation, with local residents expected to play an active role in shaping, testing and evaluating proposed solutions. This approach has been supported by partners such as Care City and Arup, who stress the importance of resident involvement in sustainable and effective design.

Emily Woodason, Associate at Arup, noted that engaging communities in shaping public spaces leads to better outcomes and stronger ownership. Anna Gibbs, Planning Policy Officer at Be First, added that the River Roding's historical significance and potential as a community asset make it a key location for health-led regeneration.

The River Roding Health Corridor was chosen from 47 proposals submitted to Connected Places Catapult's earlier open call for innovation in the public realm. The selected interventions are expected to serve as demonstrators for how the built environment can actively contribute to better health outcomes.

For further details and to apply, SMEs can visit the Connected Places Catapult website.