Summarized highlights from The Relational Neighbourhood | Nick Sinclair, David Robinson

A Relational Neighbourhood is defined by connections rather than geography: “a nexus of relationships rather than lines on a map, the place that we call home, and we define it for ourselves.”

Unlike official boundaries, a neighbourhood is “something more organic, understood by consent rather than imposed by officials.”

It’s “an area where connections matter as much as, if not more than, geography” – a place defined by relationships and attachment rather than just physical structures.

A Relational Neighbourhood is “typified by positive relationships” and goes beyond meeting basic needs.

It creates “a place where everyone has a stake, a sense of togetherness and purpose, where we feel we belong, are noticed and supported, and have a part to play.”

These places foster “simple reciprocities, the give and take” that build community bonds.

Recent government initiatives show “a growing recognition of the neighbourhood as the ‘primary unit’ of meaningful change.”

There’s been a notable shift from the “Plan for Towns” to the “Plan for Neighbourhoods,” moving from a focus on “business and infrastructure” to “people and relationships.”

The authors argue that effective regeneration must “begin in neighbourhoods and start with relationships.”

While “A Plan for Neighbourhoods is a great start. A Plan for *Relational* Neighbourhoods is where we want to get to.”