5.2.3 need for regeneration

• What are the criteria showing the need for regeneration?

  • Social - ethnicity, access to education and healthcare, educational achievement, community facilities, poor quality housing-> causes illness
  • Economic - types of employment, unemployment, business rates, property values
  • Environmental -  derelict land, closed shops, boarded-up buildings, graffiti, pollution, lack of green space, transport provision
• How to know if there is a need for regenerating a place?

  look at data on population, employment, housing, services, crime, environment or multiple deprivation

  newspaper reports 

  other media sources
• What do local authorities use to decide if a place needs regenerating?

  • Census data to assess the need for regeneration and identify demographics that they want to attract to the area
  • The Labour Force Survey to determine the average income for different jobs and the types of work carried out by local people
  • This helps to identify gaps in the labour market
  • Index of multiple deprivation (IMD) to identify small areas that are deprived and in need of regeneration
• How to figure out if regeneration strategies have been effective, and what do the locals think?

  Environmental impact assessment

  Questionnaires

  Interviewing local residents
• Media evidence to assess the need for regeneration?

  • Using media e.g blogs can help develop a viewer’s sense of place
  • Media can provide contrasting evidence, including different stakeholders, and question whether the chosen areas require regeneration
  • However, media is subjective and may not accurately show the need for regeneration:
  • Some writers may portray a favourable image of a place to enhance a story
  • Other places may be depicted as worse than they are to add drama, which risks stigmatising an area and its locals
• Example of media evidence?

  • Based on statistics, Reading is not a deprived area and has a high quality of life
  • However, one news article states “Reading town centre among most crime-ridden in England and Wales” (2021)
  • Whilst another report states Reading is the 26th safest place in the UK
• Deciding what are reliable sources?

  • It is important to consider the accuracy of documentaries and video sources:
  • Only a small number of people might be interviewed
  • Only a few images might be shown
  • The local community forums might be very vocal and not represent the majority
• Reading:

  Some writers may portray a favourable image of a place to enhance a story, whilst other places may be depicted worse than they are to add drama.

  Based on much statistical evidence, Reading is not a deprived area and has a high quality of life.

  One news article reported that Reading is the 26th safest place in the UK.

  But, one recent news report stated that “Reading town centre among most crime-ridden in England and Wales”

  This highlights how the media can be misleading and makes it difficult to assess the need for regeneration.
• Media evidence?

  Media depictions of a place are often unreliable as they are subjective and may not accurately show the need for regeneration. Media can also be biased towards certain ideas depending on the storyline or agenda of the writer or presenter.
• Reading?

  Statistical data for Reading: affluent place, requires little regeneration.

  However, when looking at inequalities between the more and least affluent in Reading, the picture becomes different.

  Reading is the 3rd most unequal ‘city’ in terms of wealth (Gini coefficient 2017).

  Life expectancy is 6.8 years lower for men and 7.8 years lower for women in the most deprived areas of Reading than in the least deprived areas (Public Health England 2018-20).

  This suggests that there are deprived areas within Reading that would benefit from regeneration.
• What is a commuter village?

  village that commute to a city for work

  problem: they do their shopping in the city they work at thus end up as dormitory villages the inhabitant sleep there but don't do much else, thus in a dormitory village you'' see local shops closing and local communities groups won't run as people aren't there in the day
• What are pros of a commuter village?

  Tranquility: Commuter villages often offer a quieter and more peaceful living environment compared to urban areas, with less traffic congestion, noise, and pollution, which can contribute to a higher quality of life for residents.

  Access to Nature: Many commuter villages are situated in semi-rural or suburban areas, offering residents access to parks, green spaces, and recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, and outdoor sports.
• What are cons of a commuter village?

  1. Long Commutes: One of the main drawbacks of living in a commuter village is the need to commute to work, which can result in long travel times, increased expenses, and stress associated with traffic congestion, delays, and unpredictable weather conditions.
  2. Limited Local Amenities: Commuter villages may lack certain amenities and services found in urban areas, such as shopping centers, entertainment venues, healthcare facilities, and cultural institutions, requiring residents to travel to nearby cities for these resources.
• What are pros of a sink estate?

  1. Affordability: Sink estates may offer more affordable housing options for low-income individuals and families, providing a place to live that might be otherwise unattainable in more prosperous areas.
  2. Community Solidarity: In some cases, residents of sink estates develop strong community bonds as they face common challenges. This can lead to a sense of solidarity and support among neighbours.
• What are cons of a sink estate?

  1. Poverty and Deprivation: Residents may struggle with limited access to resources, opportunities, and services, leading to a lower quality of life.
  2. Crime and Safety Concerns: Sink estates can be plagued by higher crime rates Poor economic conditions and limited opportunities can contribute to a higher likelihood of criminal activity.
  3. Unemployment: due to limited access to job opportunities, education, and training. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and social exclusion.
• What are pros of a gated community?

  1. Security: Gated communities typically have restricted access, with entry controlled by security guards, gates, or surveillance systems. This can lead to a perceived sense of safety and security for residents, as it reduces the likelihood of unauthorized individuals entering the community.
  2. Privacy: The enclosed nature of gated communities can offer residents a greater sense of privacy, as they are shielded from through traffic and casual passersby.