Since the coalition took power 15 months ago, Estates Gazette has argued that regeneration must not and need not become a casualty of public spending cuts. We have acknowledged the difficulties in funding urban renewal in austere times but have worked with the public and private sectors, discussing alternative ways to take the debate forward. In the autumn, we had planned to formalise that process. Given the events of the last week, we believe more urgent action is required.
This week Estates Gazette launches a campaign, Building a Better Britain.
Working with UK Regeneration, an organisation we have supported since its formation last year, we are bringing forward our plans to convene a regeneration commission, consisting of representatives from the public and private sectors. The commission, steered by EG and UKR, will be tasked with creating a blueprint for regeneration, urban renewal and, put more simply, Building a Better Britain.
Looking beyond knee-jerk reactions
While the government and other authorities are forced to focus on short-term issues around security, recovery and public confidence, this blueprint will look beyond knee-jerk reactions and aim to deliver built environment-led solutions wherever they are appropriate.
Of course, Building a Better Britain is no unique sentiment. But turning good intentions into constructive action is what our campaign is about.
Already that work has begun. As Paul Evans and Jackie Sadek from UKR articulate this week, there are five pillars that such a blueprint should be built upon: taking responsibility, engaging with people, valuing the long term, balancing society, and getting local.
Are these property issues? They run far broader, of course, but property must play its part. Reinforcing the notion of personal responsibility is crucial to repairing social damage, for example. But that would count for nothing without visible corporate social responsibility.
Similarly, long-term thinking has to be at the heart of government strategy for policy change to succeed. But it must be central to decision-making in this industry as well. “Canary Wharf and the big shopping malls are the modern commercial versions of the Great Estates. Where are the equivalent housing areas?” ask Evans and Sadek.
Industry ready to step up
There is much work to be done. But it is already clear that this industry is ready to step up.
The British Council for Shopping Centres has written to business minister Mark Prisk to highlight measures needed to support urban areas in the aftermath of the riots. The British Retail Consortium has a more specific list of demands, including a call for more effective local partnerships.
“[The riots] must be the catalyst for people to sit back and rethink how we design our towns and cities,” says Quintain Estates chief executive Adrian Wyatt. “Blaming people for what has happened is not good enough. The single most important thing about any building development is the people who work, live and play in it. If they don’t respect where they live, they will trash it.”
And in their response the prime minister and London mayor put property at the heart of the solution. David Cameron has vowed to help landlords and retailers repair the damage caused by riots, setting up a £10m recovery scheme for councils to make buildings safe, with £20m to be invested in helping shops to recover. He also promises to ease planning permission for fixing properties. Boris Johnson, meanwhile, announced £50m to help rejuvenate town centres damaged by the riots.
At EG we believe the property industry has a fundamental role to play in helping communities recover from this week’s events. You can help to turn destruction into renewal. To get involved in our campaign, get in touch at damian.wild@estatesgazette.com
