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Social Infrastructure

Social infrastructure has been described as the ‘glue’ “that can bring together and strengthen local communities”.

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Social infrastructure includes a wide range of services and facilities that meet community needs for education, health, social support, recreation, cultural expression, social interaction and community development.

Social infrastructure – including schools, community centres, libraries, community health centres and recreation facilities – are essential features of holistically planned communities and contribute to overall community well-being.

Social infrastructure planning and provision contributes to the development of healthy and sustainable communities by ensuring that population growth is supported by a network of facilities and services that are accessible, affordable and responsive to local community needs.

Social infrastructure can make an important contribution as a focal point for community activity, gathering and interaction. Some key principles that support this and provide guidance for the provision of social infrastructure include:

  • Cluster facilities  to create community focal points and promote safety
  • Maximise the efficient use of resources,  through shared or co-located facilities and multiple use agreements
  • Locate facilities in convenient, central locations which are accessible by public transport
  • Ensure flexiibility in facility design  so they respond to  evolving community needs
  • Locate facilities adjacent to open space to allow for overflow activities such as children’s play, festivals and markets
  • Facilities will ideally be  readily identified as a community space and evoke a sense of identity, pride and ownership
  • Promote equitable access through distribution, design and management

Social infrastructure key questions to ask

How does the policy, plan or development proposal –

  • Provide access to a range of facilities to attract and support a diverse population?
  • Respond to existing (as well as projected) community needs and current gaps in facilities and/or services?
  • Provide for early delivery of social infrastructure?
  • Promote an integrated approach to social infrastructure planning?
  • Maximise efficiencies in social infrastructure planning and provision?


Snapshots of key evidence and leading practice

For an overview of the key evidence and leading practice relating to the issue of  Social Infrastructure click here

Related chapters

Social Cohesion and Connectivity; Physical Activity; Transport and Physical Connectivity; Quality Employment; Healthy Food; Public Open Space

Links to more resources