BIRMINGHAM BECAME SYNONYMOuS WITH concreTe, SHADY uNDERPASSES AND noisy Traffic.
understand exactly what Burslem’s assets are medieval parts around Digbeth. We hope that
and emphasise those.” the New Street project will help to generate
The same is true in terms of social assets, that change.”
a core consideration in the ongoing redevel- The Belfast Streets Ahead project has
opment of Whitechapel, in the heart of similar ambitions. With an estimated value
london’s East End. Atkins has produced of £12 million, it is one of the most signifi-
a masterplan for the project, which cant public realm investments seen in the
focuses on the area around the popular city. Atkins is working to develop propos-
street markets. It involved close collabo- als for the project, which seeks to use
ration with local stakeholders to identify regeneration of the public realm as a cata-
the unique character of the area, and lyst for ongoing change in the city centre
how that can be used to enhance, and be and beyond.
incorporated into, future developments. “The long-term goal is to re-emphasise
Belfast’s cultural and historical assets and
More than bricks and mortar place it firmly back on the map as a place to
The idea that regeneration should be more live, work and do business,” says Alvey.
than simply a land-use and planning exercise is However, while strategies such as this
one that has shifted considerably since the cial gain,” adds Paul Reynolds, senior land- can work, says Sylvia Short, managing
post-war era. scape architect and urban designer at Atkins. consultant, urban design, at English
“It’s the interdisciplinary nature – the com- “The balance has now been redressed.” Partnerships, it requires the right economic
bination of economic, social and physical ele- Today, developments focus more on the and social drivers, a long-term management
ments – that defines regeneration,” says Sir longer-term outcomes – the number of jobs strategy, and a quality masterplan.
46 Peter Hall, Bartlett professor of planning and or new homes created, or improved access “It’s not enough to construct an iconic
regeneration at university College london and to public facilities – than the intermediary building and expect that it will regenerate an
a renowned expert and adviser on urban plan- goals of delivering a particular building. area,” she says. And, because you can never
ning and social change. predict how things will turn out, flexibility is
Ensuring that regeneration results in wider Chain reaction also important.
social and cultural benefits, and collaboration Sometimes, though, short-term, radical “The plan and the buildings should be
with all stakeholders, is now not only high on change can be not only successful, but essen- able to change with the times. That means
the development agenda, but is realised to be tial, in achieving the desired effect. Where incorporating a mix of uses, and involving
critical to a project’s long-term success. The negative perceptions have erected a barrier people from all social backgrounds and age
English Partnership’s (EP) National Brownfield to investment, an image overhaul can prove groups. Areas with that mix are able to
Strategy is based entirely on a “bottom up” very effective. The challenge often falls to the change and adapt to economic forces and
approach, with local people closely involved in public sector, which may invest in the public hence be sustainable over the long term,” is the economic basis to support a project,
the decision-making process. realm as a means of stimulating private she says. you’ll be left with an empty shell.”
“Communication and collaboration are sector regeneration. Sir Peter believes two indicators are espe-
very important to the success of a project,” Birmingham is a good example of how Money matters cially important in assessing whether a scheme
says the strategy’s project director, Professor transforming the public realm, and the city’s Sir Peter agrees that the state of the local will be a success – the state of the area today,
Paul Syms. “The potential effects of miscom- image, can produce a snowball effect. economy is a major factor in whether an and its potential.
munication, which can lead to rumour-mon- While New Street station is the last piece of investment in regeneration will bear fruit. “Certain areas of london and some north-
gering, are severe for a project, perhaps even the puzzle in terms of the centre’s develop- “In many northern towns, where the tradi- ern cities, such as liverpool and Manchester,
resulting in it being abandoned,” he adds. ment, Wright points out that the story doesn’t tional economy is disappearing, simply build- face serious economic and social challenges,
“Public sector led projects were tradition- end there. “There is a lot depending on New ing something new won’t be enough,” he but they also have tremendous economic
ally seen as motivated by social benefits, Street, in particular the future development of says. “As Bill Clinton is famously quoted as potential,” he explains. “Towns such as
while private sector schemes were for finan- areas of south Birmingham, such as the saying, ‘It’s the economy, stupid’. unless there Blackpool, Burnley or Accrington, however,
“THE CulTuRAl AND ARCHITECTuRAl ASSETS Of AN AREA CAN PROvIDE
THE sTrongesT sTarTing poinT fOR YOuR PlANS” Richard Alvey
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