AbstractsGeography &GIS

This research investigates what type of actors and organisations are involved in achieving the goal of providing more sustainable high quality urban regeneration in England. The research draws on three key strands of literature including sustainable urban development, development processes and governance. The research gap is where these three strands come together. The thesis explores these issues through the use of case studies in Hafencity (Hamburg) and 22@ (Barcelona) alongside consideration of major projects in England. The main findings of the research show that the continental case studies place stronger emphasis on proactive public sector management of projects (‘positive planning’) than would normally be the case in England. The public sector is able to lead the projects for reasons including land ownership, the planning system, skills in the planning department, use of a local development agency and a more positive and collaborative approach between the public and private sectors involving the appropriate use of power, partnerships and networks. This approach permits greater emphasis to be placed on long term / sustainability issues and helps to balance public interest and private sector gain, both of which could be of interest in the context of achieving more sustainable urban regeneration in England.