What are the key features of Urban regeneration schemes

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What are the key features of Urban regeneration
schemes?
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Early gentrification

• Stage 1 Young homebuyers purchase property in
  up and coming areas in the hope that they can
  improve the property and make a profit
• Stage 2 Larger scale developers move in with
  more ambitious projects to capitalise on new
  money coming into the area. This involves the
  building of new homes (often on brownfield sites)
  and new retail businesses.
• Stage 3 The area thrives with prices rising as
  the area becomes in greater demand.
• There is often an emphasis on restoring buildings
  to maintain the heritage of the area.

3
Barriers to gentrification

• High crime rates if the area is considered to
  be unsafe, buyers are less likely to invest
• Lack of public investment if the area has poor
  infrastructure (roads / railways / Underground)
  it is less likely to attract new investment
• Schools these are a priority particularly for
  many middle class parents. The lack of schools
  perceived as being good can reduce the
  potential of the area for gentrification. In
  cities where state schools are perceived as being
  less successful, some parents choose to educate
  their children either privately or outside of the
  city.

4
Public / Private Investment

• Major public / private schemes are seen as an
  essential component.
• These might be
• New City Squares / Open space (e.g. Bristol
  Millennium Square)
• Improved transport
• New public buildings, often employing prestigious
  designs from top architects e.g. museums, art
  galleries, council offices
• Improved security / CCTV to foster 24 hour city
• Improved lighting / signage again to make people
  feel secure and to give the city an exciting day
  / night image
• Improved educational / training / skill centres
• Prestige events encouraged often with council
  backing / coordination such as the Pride
  festival in Brighton and Hove.

5
Some examples
Millennium Square, Bristol open space
(Observatory pictured part of the Explore Science
Museum)
Harbourside festival Bristol August 2008
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24 hour city
The eating out / wine bar culture pictured
Manchester. Several properties change use during
the day coffee shop / lunch venue, evening bar
/ night club
Public art pictured in Portishead near Bristol
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How can city centres be made more sustainable?