The need for large-scale estate regeneration is established – but how can it be delivered in a way that adequately involves residents and has their buy-in and support?
This question is particularly pressing in London, where the Mayor has committed to ballots for residents on estates if redevelopment plans are to receive Greater London Authority (GLA) funding. The need to garner local support and harness the energy of communities in support of development has never been greater – but how can this be done?
As the government’s own Estate Regeneration National Strategy emphasised, adopting a placemaking approach to regeneration can generate value for residents and the local community through improved neighbourhood pride, a locally informed housing offer, better connections to local opportunities and improved service. A truly collaborative effort is needed to make estate regeneration work well for current residents and help move the debate beyond gentrification to a resident supported vision for something new, and perhaps different.
We have developed this booklet of articles and opinion pieces to examine what works and what doesn’t. What process and methodologies are replicable? What different roles can local authorities take to help achieve the outcomes? What things can be done to detoxify ‘estate regeneration’ and facilitate the development of a new and improved generation of mixed neighbourhoods?
Our report addresses critical issues such as:
- The public perception of regeneration Estate regeneration - can we get it right?
- Going beyond the tick box approach to consultation
- Building out disruption – minimising the impact on communities
- Genuine community engagement
- Reputation is your best asset, or greatest liability
- Borough builders – the role of councils in estate regeneration
- Empowering communities to engage in the planning process
