Jon Buckland: Creating a wellbeing economy

As Guernsey grapples with its housing problems, the need for innovative solutions has never been more pressing.

The Mayday Saxonvale project in Frome, England, offers a compelling model for community-led development that could be adapted to meet the unique needs of Guernsey. The project aligns closely with the principles of a wellbeing economy, which emphasises human and planetary health, social equity and community engagement as central tenets of economic development.

Why not here?

First up, what do I mean by a wellbeing economy? In simple terms, there are four defining principles at its core, each of which are reflected in the Frome initiative.

Let’s start with purpose. We believe that the economy should primarily aim to enhance human wellbeing rather than merely focusing on economic growth.

This principle is evident in Mayday Saxonvale’s mission to create a mixed-use development that addresses local housing needs, while providing community spaces and employment opportunities. The project aims to generate social value by ensuring that profits are reinvested into community assets, such as parks and cultural facilities, which directly contribute to the wellbeing of residents.

Next, a wellbeing economy attempts to address root causes of social and environmental issues proactively. The Saxonvale project incorporates sustainable design elements and green infrastructure, which not only enhance the local environment but also aim to prevent future ecological degradation. By focusing on sustainability from the outset, the project aligns with the preventative approach advocated in wellbeing economy frameworks.

Then we turn to the idea of pre-distribution. This principle emphasises reducing inequality by ensuring fair distribution of resources and opportunities from the start, rather than relying solely on redistributive policies after wealth has been generated.

Mayday Saxonvale’s commitment to providing affordable housing above policy requirements and creating employment spaces supports this principle by fostering an inclusive economy that retains wealth locally and supports diverse income-generating activities.

And finally, and perhaps most importantly, is the principle of people power. A wellbeing economy thrives on participatory decision-making processes that engage communities in shaping their futures.

The Mayday Saxonvale project exemplifies this through its community-led approach, which actively involves local residents in planning and development decisions. This participatory ethos not only empowers citizens but also ensures that developments reflect the genuine needs and desires of the community.

The Mayday Saxonvale project also addresses broader social and environmental challenges, aligning with the wellbeing economy’s emphasis on sustainability. The integration of green spaces, pedestrian-friendly designs and facilities for cultural activities contribute to enhancing community cohesion and environmental health. By prioritising these aspects, the project seeks to create a vibrant community where residents can thrive both socially and economically.

Moreover, the project’s focus on creating employment opportunities, such as 11,000 square metres of commercial space, addresses economic resilience by supporting local businesses and preventing wealth leakage from the community. This approach is crucial for building a robust local economy that can withstand external shocks while providing stable livelihoods for residents.

The Mayday Saxonvale project embodies many principles of a wellbeing economy by prioritising human wellbeing, environmental sustainability, social equity and participatory governance. Its commitment to addressing local needs through community-led development not only enhances individual quality of life but also fosters a resilient and inclusive economy.

So as Guernsey faces similar challenges, what can we learn from Frome?

At its core, the Mayday Saxonvale project is a community-driven effort to revitalise a brownfield site in Frome. It represents a shift from traditional development approaches by prioritising local needs and sustainable practices.

The project is spearheaded by Mayday Saxonvale, a not-for-profit social enterprise that collaborates with Stories, a socially responsible property development company. Together, they are aiming to create a mixed-use development that includes affordable housing, commercial spaces, and community amenities, while ensuring that any profits are reinvested back into the community.

If we are to replicate this model in Guernsey, what would we need to do?

Key to the Mayday Saxonvale project is community engagement. In Guernsey, initiating public consultations would be essential to gather input from residents about their needs and aspirations. This could involve workshops, surveys and public meetings to ensure that all voices are heard.

We have a good track record of this, although it usually descends into lobby groups once ideas emerge. Deeper community engagement might address this.

Establishing a not-for-profit entity dedicated to community development would be crucial. This entity would oversee the planning and execution of projects, ensuring that they align with community interests and values. It’s hard to see how the new Housing Committee will perform this role. Might it be possible for the Guernsey Housing Association to change to take on this role?

What is clear is this is missing a piece of the puzzle. We have so many brilliant not-for-profits making Guernsey special and helping those in need in so many areas of life.

We have profit-seeking developers aplenty, but no not-for-profits in this space. And we need just one.

Collaboration with local organisations, businesses and government entities is vital. By forming partnerships with stakeholders who share a commitment to social value, Guernsey can leverage expertise and resources to enhance project outcomes. Is this something the new Housing Committee might do too?

The focus should be on creating sustainable housing solutions that are environmentally friendly and economically viable. This includes prioritising energy-efficient designs and incorporating green spaces within developments. We score quite highly in this regard but could we do more?

Like the Frome project, any development in Guernsey should aim for long-term benefits. This means creating community assets – such as parks, cultural spaces and educational facilities – that can serve residents for generations. Profits generated from these assets should be reinvested into further community initiatives.

The former CI Tyres site at La Charotterie should have been a park for the current housing stock. In the words of Cat Stevens: ‘Where do the children play?’

Huge social value, bizarrely, doesn’t get recognised in our monetary terms. There is a clue here. Our priorities are so misaligned with our needs, which brings us back to the wellbeing economy argument.

The Mayday Saxonvale project stands as a beacon of what is possible when communities take charge of their development futures. By embracing this model, Guernsey has the opportunity to transform its approach to housing and urban regeneration.

Through active community engagement, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to sustainable practices, Guernsey can create vibrant neighbourhoods that reflect the needs and aspirations of its residents while addressing pressing housing challenges.

As discussions around housing continue within the States, now is the time to consider innovative solutions that prioritise social value and long-term community benefits. After all, more of the same will simply lead to more of the same.