Springfield Village Formative Evaluation

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Understanding Early Pathways to Health Equity through NHS-led regeneration: A Formative Evaluation of Springfield Village

• IRAS ID

  370186

• Contact name

  Angela Harden

• Contact email

  Angela.Harden@citystgeorges.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  City St George's University of London

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 9 months, 28 days

• Research summary

  This study will explore how a new NHS-led development called Springfield Village may help improve mental health, wellbeing, and reduce health inequalities.

  Springfield Village is a large redevelopment at Springfield University Hospital. It brings together modern mental health services, new homes, green space, and community facilities such as cafés and shared public areas. The idea is that creating a more open, inclusive environment may support recovery, reduce stigma around mental illness, and improve connections between people and services.

  However, we do not yet know how people experience this type of development in practice, or whether it benefits all groups equally—especially those who are often underserved by mental health services.

  This study aims to understand:

  How different people experience Springfield Village
  Whether and how it supports mental wellbeing, inclusion, and everyday participation
  What factors may help reduce (or unintentionally widen) health inequalities

  We will use a mix of methods. This includes:

  - Creative photography workshops and walking interviews with local residents and mental health service users to explore their experiences
  - Interviews with NHS staff, community organisations, local businesses, and people involved in running the site
  - Analysis of local area data to understand the wider context

  Around 50–60 participants will take part in total. The study will run from May 2026 to February 2027 and is funded by the NHS Trust leading the redevelopment. Findings will help shape future evaluation and inform how similar developments can better support mental health and reduce inequalities.

• REC name

  West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  26/WM/0093

• Date of REC Opinion

  28 May 2026

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion