Conference Agenda

Background and aim of the study: Temporary Urban Environment Changes (TUECs) are reversible, adaptable public-space modifications for active living, endorsed by the WHO’s 2025 Promoting Walking and Cycling toolkit. Despite this, implementation-focused evidence remains limited on how TUECs are governed and delivered, including how schemes are trialled, learned from and sustained. The aim of this study was to explore professional stakeholders’ accounts of conditions that enable or constrain TUEC implementation in Scotland.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive expert sample of stakeholders working at national (n=6), regional (n=2) and local (n=3) levels (n=11). Interviews (30–45 min) were recorded, transcribed, anonymised and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Questions covered stakeholder conceptualisation of TUECs, perceived impacts, and delivery barriers/enablers.

Results: Stakeholders described “temporariness” as a way to trial reversible change, learn from real-world use, and decide whether to adapt, retain or withdraw measures. Perceived benefits for physical activity and liveability were described as conditional on visibility and legibility, inclusive access, perceived safety/comfort, connectivity and maintenance. Delivery was constrained by unclear approvals, limited capacity and resources, design limitations, contested public narratives and equity concerns; enabling conditions included clearer authorisation routes and policy backing, cross-sector framing, resourcing and delivery partnerships, accessibility-first design, proactive communication and monitoring credible for decision-making.

Conclusions: TUECs may be a pragmatic public-health lever, but only when trialling is matched with stewardship and transparent review criteria. Policy and practice should prioritise accessibility-first delivery and evaluation systems that support equitable decisions about scaling, adapting or removing measures.

Funding: CSC Scholarship.