Regeneration is, evermore, a priority due to the shortcomings of economic and social problems; it is one of the new solutions to land shortages. But this is not a new concept; regeneration began in the UK as the responsibility of the public sector in the 1960’s. However this changed during the 1980s when economic growth became the main focus of urban regeneration.
New policies in the 1990’s, and at the beginning of the new millennium, focused on achieving regeneration through public-private partnership. However, the most recent policies try to go beyond this by involving local communities in the regeneration process via: social enterprises, non-governmental organisations, community based organisations, and resident groups.
Their main focus to accomplish a successful regeneration is affordable housing. This can be done by implementing a number of different techniques that can involve, both, private and public sector. The best-known techniques are tax subsidies to home owners and private investors, support plans for private renting, public housing and housing vouchers.
The desire on housing, especially affordable housing in a town or city is a symbol of success. If there is a successful economy in this regeneration area, industry will look to move there, meaning more job opportunities and more workers.
In addition to this, thanks largely to the regeneration, affordable housing could increase social equity and self-confidence, as more people are able to obtain and sustain a certain lifestyle. This increase in self-confidence could have a knock on effect were people within that area could be inspired to achieve a better quality of life, education, community involvement and well being.
One example of this is the @Heartlands development from Linden Homes in Cornwall.
This regeneration development, which was once the mining heart of Cornwall, can be found between Camborne and Redruth. Set amidst nineteen acres of landscaped grounds, makes up a new visitor attraction breathing new life into the former mining community.
Another is the former Barnes Hospital in Cheadle, which has fallen into disrepair following its closure. It is to be restored by property developers Henley Homes, who are experts in the regeneration of listed and landmark buildings. This new development, which is considered to be one of the most exciting in the area in recent years, will consist of 155 new homes
Both of these regeneration projects seem to have struck a chord with innovation, quality and prosperity.
So it seems that what was started in the 1960’s is having new life breathed in to it today.
Examples of regeneration projects:
