“In the half-centry after 1946, Britain built 28 new towns, with a combined population at the 1991 census of 2,254,300 versus 945,900 at the start … over a million people were housed in planned new communities” Hall & Wood (1998) Sociable cities

“Running all round the Central Park (except where it is intersected by the boulevards) is a wide glass arcade called the 'Crystal Palace', opening on to the park. This building is in wet weather one of the favourite resorts of the people, whilst the knowledge that its bright shelter is ever close at hand tempts people into Central Park, even in the most doubtful of weathers. Here manufactured goods are exposed for sale, and here most of that class of shopping which requires the joy of deliberation and selection is done. The space enclosed by the Crystal Palace is, however, a good deal larger than is required for these purposes, and a considerable part of it is used as a Winter Garden -the whole forming A permanent exhibition of a most attractive character, whilst its circular form brings it near to every dweller in the town-the furthest removed inhabitant being within 600 yards.” Ebenezer Howard (1902) Garden Cities of Tomorrow

The Annie McCleod Experience at New Lanark

New Lanark

UNESCO world heritage site. Founded in 1786 by David Dale; most associated with Robert Owen, Dale’s son-in-law.

Population: 200 approx

OS Grid reference NS 87862

Housing mostly owned by the New Lanark Trust

Port Sunlight

Port Sunlight

Built by the Lever Brothers to house soap factory workers. Work commenced 1888.

Population 2001 – 1,450

OS grid reference - SJ338847

“A town, like a flower, or a tree, or an animal, should, at each stage of its growth, possess unity, symmetry, completeness, and the effect of growth should never be to destroy that unity, but to give it greater purpose, nor to mar that symmetry, but to make it more symmetrical” Ebenezer Howard (1902) Garden Cities of Tomorrow

“In short, spaces have multiplied, been broken up and have diversified. There are spaces today of every kind and every size, for every use and every function. To live is to pass from one space to another, while doing your very best not to bump yourself” Georges Perec (1973)

“It is essential … that there should be unity of design and purpose – that the town should be planned as a whole, and not left to grow up in a chaotic manner as has been the case with all English towns” Ebenezer Howard (1902) Garden Cities of Tomorrow

“Interesting sight, isn’t it … wonderful piece of mechanism; I find it so myself. I like sometimes to stand and look on it just as you are doing.” Edward Bellamy (1888) – Looking Backward

“We often preserve the memory of an indefinable charm from these towns we’ve merely brushed against. The memory indeed of our own indecision, our hesitant footsteps, our gaze which didn’t know what to turn towards and that found almost anything affecting” Georges Perec (1972)

Letchworth Garden City

The first Garden City. Work began 1903 under Ebenezer Howard.

Population 2011 33,249

OS Grid reference: TL215325

Average detached house price: £454,990

Average terrace house price: £189,934

Average flat price: £149,337

“I had dreamed of a city whose people fared all alike as children of one family and were one another’s keepers in all things” Edward Bellamy (1888) Looking Backward

Akroydon, Boothtown, Halifax

"Poundbury, that Thomas Hardy theme-park for slow learners" Jonathan Meades

  Poundbury

Experimental new town  built on land owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, built according to the principles of Prince Charles.

Current population: 2000 approx

OS Grid reference SY671549

Average detached house price: £444,227

Average terrace house price: £327,852

Average flat price: £180,654

“The Galleries Shopping Centre situated in Washington has a great range of stores; whatever you are looking for the Galleries has it all.

With over 150 shops including; Dorothy Perkins, New Look, Select, Thorntons, Boots, Clarks, and Bonmarché as well as a number of eateries there is something for everyone.

In addition there is also a selection of smaller stalls situated throughout the malls to cater for all tastes.  For Retail Park opening times please see individual stores for their opening hours.”