Media Releases
News Release : 12 July 2001ENCOURAGING SIGNS OF URBAN RENAISSANCE IN THE SOUTH EAST The improvement of urban areas in the South East was the focus of discussion of a special seminar in Guildford held on 6 July 2001. The seminar, which was attended by over 40 senior local authority members and officers from Surrey and Sussex, was organised jointly by the South East England Regional Assembly and the Government Office for the South East. Its aim was to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges facing local councils and other organisations who are implementing local urban renaissance plans and to help them achieve high quality in new development projects in large and small towns across the region. Colin Byrne, Director of Planning, the Government Office for the South East reminded delegates that the urban renaissance theme is central to the Regional Planning Strategy and has attracted significant political attention in recent years, most notably through the Lord Rogers Urban Task Force and the subsequent Urban White Paper. The seminar included presentations by leading regeneration experts. Speakers from the Urban and Economic Development Group (URBED), the private sector and Brighton and Hove City Council gave their own perspectives on urban renaissance and shared from their own experiences how it can be achieved. Said Dr Nicholas Falk of URBED: "Urban Renaissance is about changing attitudes to urban living. Our recent research in the region shows good examples of successful renaissance schemes, and scope for many more." Ken Dytor, Chief Executive of Urban Catalyst Ltd is working with several private sector developers. Said Ken: "More developers are successfully building quality urban schemes but they do need several ingredients to help them. These include a shared vision for the town, the drive to create solid partnerships and a willingness to invest in high quality designs." Sheila Holden, Assistant Director, Brighton and Hove City Council: "Brighton's vision is to develop a cosmopolitan, successful city where people have a high quality of life in a decent environment. Over the last five years, we have worked hard with the community and business to achieve this. Our success is reflected in projects such as the regeneration of the sea front and the proposed redevelopment of the Brighton Station area." Mike Gwilliam, Director of Planning, South East England Regional Assembly, summed up the seminar and the challenges facing local authorities in the South East: "Much of what we have heard today has been encouraging. Urban Renaissance is central to the Regional Assembly's agenda as the Regional Planning Body of the South East and the signs are that it is begging to happen. But there is much more to do. We are listening and will work with the Government Office so that local authorities get the help that they need to deliver." Further urban renaissance seminars are being held around the South East during the summer and autumn. The next one is at Portsmouth City Council on Thursday, 26 July. ContactLesley van Dijk, PR Executive - 01483 555223 Alex Butlin, PR Executive - 01483 555221
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