66 p by Tim Wickham
We’re hearing a lot about the Prime Minister’s ‘levelling up’ pledge, but it isn’t intended to drain capital investment away from the South to the North. Urban regeneration in the South East is a catalyst for continuous social, environmental and economic improvements. We look at how some of the region’s latest regeneration projects are benefiting business communities and residents.
Urban regeneration is front and centre of current government thinking. It is closely aligned with efforts to tackle the housing shortage unveiled in ambitious plans by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, MP, late last year. New measures include setting up an Urban Centre Recovery Task Force “to advise on the development and regeneration of our great town and city centres”.
The Government is due to launch a £100 million Brownfield Land Release fund in January 2022 to support brownfield development. Jenrick commented: “The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated and magnified patterns that already existed, creating a generational opportunity for the repurposing of offices and retail as housing and urban renewal. We want this to be an
opportunity for a new trajectory for our major cities – one which helps to forge a new country beyond Covid-19.”
Design and development consultancy Stantec pointed out the importance of re-purposing urban land. Scott Witchalls, Director Transport and Infrastructure, Stantec, said: “With concerns over rural and greenfield land use, there is a constant need for suitable brownfield and industrial sites that can be transformed into vibrant new communities, with integrated homes, offices, leisure, and transport facilities.”
Urban challenges facing the south east
The focus on urban renewal is part of the levelling up pledge made in July by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He insists it won’t make richer areas like the South East poorer. Instead, Johnson says his vision promises to be a “win:win” for everyone.
The Prime Minister’s positive outlook resonates with South East LEP (SELEP) Chief Executive Adam Bryan, who said: “The levelling up agenda exists across all areas of the UK and we are seeking, good green growth, with opportunity for all and to target those areas and industries particularly vulnerable following Covid-19 and where we can secure the greatest financial stimulus to restart our economy.”
Urban regeneration aims to deliver a combination of economic, social and cultural, and environmental improvements to towns and cities. With Stantec’s experience in multiple urban regeneration projects in the South East, Witchalls explained the main benefits: “Urban regeneration improves connectivity for the whole community, enhances the public realm by creating and refining spaces, revitalises town centres, delivers social and economic value for the community and also increases accessibility for all users and offers a variety of experiences.”
However, the South East faces numerous challenges in achieving its regeneration goals. For example, the region’s transport infrastructure needs to adapt to future requirements.
We want this to be an opportunity for a new trajectory for our major cities – one which helps to forge a new country beyond Covid-19
Robert Jenrick MP, Housing Secretary South East’s urban landscape
urban regeneration
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