The Green Gap: why are there so few parks in the city centre?

A data investigation into our missing green spaces

Dear readers — If you were to poll city centre dwellers for their neighbourhood gripes, there’s a pretty good chance that the lack of green space would top the list. Most of the centre’s green spaces feel small, thinly spread, and often just not that good (naming no names…)

But do residents really have it so bad? For today’s edition we asked Helen McKenzie, an expert in Geographic Information Systems, to answer the question authoritatively using the tools of her trade: maps. She finds that yes, there is a problem — but also hope. Things can get better, though if you want to live in a verdant city centre any time soon you might be better off moving to Rotterdam.

We know that the hardcore Mill members love some good map-based content, so settle in for a treat. But first, your weekly briefing.