EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Thames Gateway evidence review

Thames Gateway evidence review - London, UK

Introduction

A report which summarises the findings of a review of evidence to identify the existing knowledge base for the Thames Gateway.

Description

The review looks at past regeneration schemes in the United Kingdom and highlights lessons that are applicable to the Thames Gateway programme. The opportunities and challenges being faced by the Gateway are addressed and the issues, evidence and lessons to be learnt in relation to:

strategies
spatial restructuring and governance and delivery
the economy and connectivity
social aspects
the environment and liveability

are outlined. Gaps in the evidence base are identified and suggestions are made as to how these voids could be filled. Issues for the future are set out including the scale of the area, which presents challenges in terms of delivery and governing cohesive, sustainable communities.

Background information

The main objectives of the study were to scope the evidence base relating to the Thames Gateway, in order that the Department for Communities and Local Government could better understand the extent of the existing knowledge about the area, and draw out lessons from past regeneration schemes in the UK.

Methodology

The evidence review was a desk based study which involved the following steps: definition of themes and questions; search of bibliographical databases; contact of local authorities and other agencies for non-published and evidence based research; identification of relevant material - around 300 items; reading and analysis of materials; preparation of report.

Conclusions

The Thames Gateway has been recognised as an area with growth potential, however the review identifies a number of challenges:

the area is highly complex due to its size and its administrative make-up and the number of agencies involved in delivering services;
there is a lack of connectivity in many parts of the area; the Gateway lacks a clear and unified identity;
the area suffers from the tensions between protecting the environment whilst delivering economic growth;
there is a need for brownfield remediation, the improving of green space, and environmental enhancement and protection.

The review identifies two general issues which are worthy of note: there are lessons to be learnt from past regeneration schemes, and although some of these are being applied, others are not. Valuable lessons concerning the linking of physical and social regeneration, community involvement, support for existing industry, information management and contingency planning could all be applied to the Thames Gateway. It is also important to recognise the long-term nature of the task and the need for the phasing of development.

Contact info

Department for Communities and Local Government
Phone: +44 20 7944 4400
contactus@communities.gsi.gov.uk

Publication date

01/11/2006

Researcher

Georgia Watson et al, Oxford Brookes University

Links

Department for Communities and Local Government

Thames Gateway evidence review (PDF, Eng, 436 KB)

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy

Keywords