05/03/10 - Regeneration must continue despite economic challenges

Continuing to achieve regeneration in the face of adverse economic conditions was one of the key topics of a joint RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) and EPLANI (Environment and Planning Law Association NI) event in Belfast recently.

Professor Peter Roberts, a regeneration expert from the University of Leeds, outlined how to ensure that regeneration can proceed during a recession at the event in Belfast City Hall on March 3.

Other speakers at the Annual Planning and Development Conference included The Lord Chief Justice, The Hon Sir Declan Morgan, who gave an update on Northern Ireland planning law and planning judicial reviews; and Claire Duffy a planning and environment with Arthur Cox Solicitors, who considered the importance of investing in waste infrastructure projects for Northern Ireland.

RICS Northern Ireland planning spokesperson, Diana Fitzsimons, who chaired the event, says that it considered some of the main trends currently affecting planning and development.

She continues: “Regeneration is closely linked to economic development, social improvement and environmental sustainability, so ongoing regeneration is absolutely essential”.

“We cannot put regeneration on hold during adverse economic conditions as this would exacerbate economic decline and create many long-term social and environmental problems.

“Therefore, we must find ways to ensure that regeneration continues by focusing on good practice examples, and finding new and innovative models of regeneration.

“Features of successful regeneration include: an emphasis on economic activity and jobs; linking local people to jobs through training; community cohesion and safety; and community facilities and capacity.

“Other important features include: social, cultural and leisure services; improving housing quality and neighbourhoods; providing excellent transport and other links; effective management of environment and other resources; good partnership, engagement, communication and leadership; and excellent strategy and quality implementation.

“By combining these elements effectively, we are confident that regeneration can continue to be achieved.

“Most importantly though, of course, we should work to ensure that areas do not degenerate to the point of failure in the first place,” Ms Fitzsimons adds.