Looks at the benefits of town and city centre renewal and who the "winners and losers" are. Puts forward a framework for understanding what needs to be done to spread the benefits to neighbouring centres.

Presents case studies of the following four areas and highlights some common challenges:

Looks at the tools available for delivering "smarter growth" in different types of situations, highlights the key factors for success and provides examples of good practice. Considers the implications for policy and makes recommendations.

The Local Government Association’s Urban Commission and the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA) commissioned URBED to undertake the enquiry. The enquiry grew out of concerns that while a renaissance was underway in the centres of the UK's main cities, it was unclear how such benefits could be spread out to the surrounding areas.

The research involved a literature review; a number of roundtable workshops; a survey of local authorities; interviews with experts and investors; four case studies; and a fringe meeting at the ODPM Sustainable Communities Summit in Manchester. The work has also drawn on discussions with those involved in research into the future of city-regions and the role of Core Cities.

Identifies three policy goals: boost productivity; boost liveability; and boost connectivity. Highlights seven principles for spreading the benefits of renewal: see town and city centres as assets to be nurtured not liabilities; focus more on opportunities and areas that are at a tipping point, rather than just concentrating on areas with acute problems; treat urban regeneration/growth as a holistic process over a long period; work with existing organisations and build their capacity and confidence; encourage interaction and partnerships, not competitive bidding and fragmentation; create a climate of confidence in town centres; and minimise the number of targets and regulation.

Local Government Association, tel. +44 (0)20 7664 3131

01/07/2005

Nicholas Falk and Christopher Cadell of URBED

research

Urban Policy > Urban environment > Urban renewal

City centre development