The area is characterized by inhabitants with a variety of social problems –such as low income, unemployment, high population of immigrants, large number of people on transfer income. Housing in the area is dominated by non-profit housing. Apart from a small shopping centre, local institutions such as schools, day care and general practitioners, there is not really any local job opportunities.

The housing areas are characterised by fairly large homogeneous housing estates with modern and well kept apartments. Physically the area is built in closed formations, not opening up to the outside world, creating a non welcoming environment.

Furthermore there is in general a lack of meeting places for social and cultural interaction, i.e. there is no commercial café in the area, neither is there enough space and opportunities for meeting and socializing. A recent survey among residents indicates that people in general are satisfied with living in the area. This collides with the overall image the area has among non-residents. The image problem is another big challenge.

The purpose of this urban regeneration programme, in Danish called " Kvarterløft" is:

Furthermore the program has a focus on how to establish a close and strong cooperation between the municipality and the local community for several reasons, some of them are: •the citizens and others, who spend a lot of time in the area, are regarded as “the real experts” when it comes to identifying what the real problems are and often also how they can be solved (in the best way). • It is essential to create a sense of ownership among the citizens and in the community in general if a programme as "Kvarterløft" shall succeed. Because it is the community (the citizens as individuals, the non profit organisations, different kinds of associations etc.) who have to carry and continue the effort when the programme stops.

The overall approach is a bottom-up strategy within the area. This has been done in various ways; open and often very long meetings, theme oriented meetings, cooperation with local organisations, volunteers, non-profit housing associations and with local public institutions (schools, day care etc.). Focus is also on supporting local networks, i.e. to assist a group of young people in starting a drop-in centre for youngsters in the area. There has also been a broad introduction to the area renewal program through public meetings, meetings in associations and institutions, through the local press and media and the library to make people aware of the programme and inviting them to join in the process. Establishing opportunities for social and cultural meeting and interaction has been another approach.

In general the program has resulted in an increase in household income, decrease in migration, newcomers have higher incomes than people leaving the area, decreasing unemployment and generally satisfied inhabitants in the area. On a more qualitative scale it has been a key result that the programme has succeeded in reaching a new group of people – young boys with immigrant background. Some of them are now working as role models and have established two drop-in centres for different age groups. Cooperation with the local community has given greater ownership for the program in the area. The interdisciplinary cooperation has secured more holistic and sustainable solutions.

Primarily the people living and using the area, secondary the municipality as a whole.

Financially the program had 33.5 million. DKR. On top of this some funds and the Municipality of Brøndby have contributed. That means in total so far the budget has been 54 mill. DKR. Furthermore volunteers from the area, the administration, local institutions, associations and networks.

Municipality of Brøndby Strand
Denmark
Pia Wallbohm Blådal (Project Manager)

01/01/2002

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Capacity building