Role of Local Authorities in Urban Regeneration - Essay Example

?Report: Role of Local ities in Urban Regeneration Table of Contents Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………3 Impact of Urban Regeneration….................................................................................................3 Role of Local Authorities……………………….……………………………………………......4 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………..……6 References……..………………………………………………………………………………….7 Introduction Urban regeneration is the process of re-developing land in certain areas which is in moderate or high urban land usage. This may include the demolition of historic structures, relocation of businesses or people and various other measures to change the structure of an area. While urban re-generation is seen as an agent for economic change and reform by many, several also consider it as means of control and leading to destruction of neighborhoods. However, if done properly, urban regeneration is seen in a favorable light and is beneficial for societies. In this report, I’ll discuss the role of local authorities in urban regeneration and how they can help to enhance this process and make it more useful for their particular areas. Impact of Urban Regeneration: Change is an on-going process. Cities go through a constant phase of change whether it is slow or fast. In the past few decades Many European cities have undergone very rapid change which has led to suburbanization and the restructuring of the economic base of the cities (Couch et. al, 2003). Urban regeneration is the answer to these problems. While it may have a downside, but if proper urban re-development plans ate launched, they can solve a lot of urban environmental problems, bring areas to beneficial use and also bring about economic change by creating lost jobs. As external changes occur in a country, various social, economic and other problems are faced by cities. Many states in the UK faced the need of urban regeneration as they faced problems in the post-war period (Jones & Evans, 2008). From now to then, urban regeneration has become a central part of governments combined with various businesses. Role of Local Authorities When cities face problems like people moving out and as a result property prices and the value of that area declining, urban regeneration becomes the need to revive that particular city. Various UK cities have gone through this problem. For example, the city of Salford is going through the same trend and people are moving out. As officials devise regeneration plans for the city, to make these plans successful, the support of all partners, the community and local authorities is very important. While various stakeholders are involved in the process and bring capital and other resources to this process, the role of the local government is essential for effective regeneration. Local authorities can better tackle regeneration and integrate this process with their other programs as well to obtain positive outcomes through their core services. Since local authorities are dealing with the issues of their particular city, they can also embed this process and use their service department outputs to handle this process effectively. Local Authorities and the Role of Stakeholders When the local authority shows interest in this process and takes charge of it, various other stakeholders also support them. Some of the examples of these stakeholders are: If local authorities own the regeneration process for their particular city, then their word will act as a strong factor in attracting financiers and other private companies to come forward and be part of the process. The local people have ideas about what the community wants and if they are supported by the local authorities, they can act as a responsive medium for constructive and cost-effective services (Atkinson, 1999). Voluntary organizations can also play a very important role in the regeneration process but they have limited resources. However, if voluntary organizations are given a chance to work in partnership with local authorities, they will more actively participate and explore ideas for regeneration opportunities. Challenges for Local Authorities There are various challenges faced by local authorities which sometimes stop them from under-taking regeneration or are a hindrance to successful regeneration. Some of them are: The most important challenge is financial constraint and the public sector budget that has been assigned for them. Local authorities who are financially pressurized do not consider urban regeneration as a priority and they restrict their resources only on legal obligations first. In such situations, urban regeneration becomes of secondary importance. While various measures can be taken for urban regeneration like providing tax incentives for those who invest in city areas, improving building designs, reducing traffic congestion, providing basic amenities within reachable distance etc, the bottom-line of this process should be creating jobs. If people have no work, no matter how appealing the community is they wouldn’t want to live there. Moreover, every city has its own set of problems and demand. Hence, the urban regeneration process should be devised with proper planning and vision otherwise regeneration for the sake of regeneration would lead to increased issues. Another factor in successful urban regeneration lies in the national policies. Local authorities can bring out best results if they have the support of the national government and also local authorities are the best way to reach to the national government. Successful regeneration can be seen in Liverpool in several projects. The Rope Walks partnership is one such example. Studying its case we see that local action coupled with suitable national policies was the main driving force in regenerating the area and providing a sustainable regeneration process (Couch & Dennemann, 2000). Many other projects in Liverpool have also been carried out as a part of the regeneration process. The Liverpool Vision formed a Partnership Company with various bodies most important being the local council, government agencies and various other private organizations. This company is lauded as regeneration pioneers and we see that with the help of local authorities, regeneration can be promoted as well as effectively implemented. Conclusion Urban regeneration has become extremely important in cities as various external changes are taking place. While many think it is sometimes a partial and insensitive process, if done properly, it brings more renovation than destruction. Various European success stories show how urban dwellers enjoy the safety and quality of life without encroaching on the countryside surrounding them. Local authorities are the primary stakeholder in this process and their involvement and initiative can bring proper regeneration to their areas. References Dubben, N. & Williams, B. (2009) Partnerships in Urban Property Development, Wiley – Blackwell. Jones, P. & Evans, J. (2008) Urban regeneration in the UK, Sage. Couch, C, Fraser, C & Percy, S. (2003) Urban regeneration in Europe, Blackwell Publishing Company. Couch, C. & Dennemann, A. (2000) Urban regeneration and sustainable development in Britain: The example of the Liverpool Ropewalks Partnership, Cities, Volume 17, Issue 2, April, Pages 137-147. Atkinson, R (1999) Discourses of Partnership and Empowerment in Contemporary British Urban Regeneration, Urban Studies, January, Vol. 36, No.1, 59-72. Read More