Urban Regeneration

This book, by adopting a property perspective, seeks to evaluate linkages between urban regeneration and the development-investment processes. The risk element in major development schemes can be high to both financiers and developers, and the cushioning of risk and more effective public-private sector partnerships are likely to set the agenda for regeneration mechanisms in Europe throughout the 1990s. In considering property investment and development, this book appraises existing initiatives, mechanisms and approaches to urban hierarchy. Only by evaluating current practice can a better understanding of the factors, including market behaviour and the impact of policy directions, be assessed. The opening of the book focuses upon the private sector, market forces, the role of the financial institutions and international property portfolios. Emphasis in the second part is placed upon the integration of regeneration, local economic development, and specifically the role of the public sector. Key issues include the impact of policy directions, and the ability of government to lever private sector monies and act as a facilitator of regeneration by creating the opportunity for development. Finally, the book concentrates on an evaluation of key regeneration mechanisms entailing publi-private partnerships, enterprise zones, urban development corporations, regeneration trusts and projects. The editors of the book, through their specialist interest in planning, urban economic development, property investment and performance, possess considerable research expertise in the evaluation of urban regeneration initiatives. Research has been conducted at international, national and local levels focusing upon different practices, mechanisms and policies, involving commissioned work for public and private sector agencies.