changing places s experience in regeneration, placemaking and area strategies January 2008 1 Hill Street Edinburgh EH2 3JP t: 0131 225 5757 email: mail@yellowbookltd.com
Sheffield Waterways Strategy (with wmud) Sheffield City Council/Sheffield Waterways Strategy Group This major study maps out a strategy for enhancing Sheffield s remarkable river system as well as the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal. The study focuses on improving the quality, biodiversity and amenity of the waterways, but explores ways in which the city of rivers can contribute to the competitiveness of Sheffield, celebrate the city s heritage and culture and promote social inclusion. Dawlish Town Centre Strategy and Master Plan (with wmud) Dawlish Community Trust, South West Regional Development Agency This commission forms part of the South West of England RDA s Market and Coastal Towns Initiative. Dawlish is an attractive and distinctive coastal town close to the fast-growing regional centre of Exeter. However, the quality of the town centre experience is disappointing, and the study examines ways of restoring vitality through diversification and improving the retail and food offer. The masterplan presents proposals for upgrading the Lawn an exceptional green space in the heart of the town and the seafront, and also addresses traffic and parking issues. Fife Coastal Zone Fife Council, Scottish Enterprise Fife This study examined the strategic rationale for the proposed Fife Coastal Zone. We undertook a wide ranging review of socio-economic conditions in the study area, and also examined the dynamics of its relationship with the Edinburgh City Region. The report makes recommendations for the future development of the zone, linked to the established growth node around Dunfermline. 1 Hill Street Edinburgh EH2 3JP t: 0131 225 5757 email: mail@yellowbookltd.com
Berwick Capacity Building Study Kevin Murray Associates Northumberland Strategic Partnership/Ignite played a key role in the KMA team which was commissioned to analyse the performance and capacity of inter-agency and community partnership structures in Berwick-upon-Tweed. There had been concerned about the failure of previous partnership initiatives to secure funding and deliver sustainable development in Berwick. This study used a range of innovative techniques to examine the strengths and weaknesses of existing partnerships. John Lord and Kevin Murray then designed and facilitated a series of workshops for partners and stakeholders. The process was documented as a case study for Ignite, the regional regeneration centre. Waterspace Best Practice Study Scottish Enterprise/Clyde Waterfront Partnership was commissioned to carry out this study which reviewed and identified best practice in the development of waterspace strategies in the UK and Europe. Using a combination of desk research and consultations, we identified UK exemplars in Bristol, Reading, Exeter, Cardiff and London, as well as examples of best practice in Germany, the Netherlands and Australia. An extensively illustrated report described a series of key themes, illustrated by cameo case studies. Canterbury Cultural s Canterbury City Council Following the success of our earlier report Canterbury: City of Imagination (see below), Canterbury City Council commissioned yellow book to carry out impact appraisal studies for two key cultural projects in the city: the creation of the New Marlowe Theatre, and a major investment in the Beaney Institute, which houses Canterbury s museum and art collections and the public library. We developed and strengthened the strategic case for the two projects, linked to regional and sub-regional strategies; examined the potential synergies between the projects and their contribution to city strategies; and presented estimates of their impact on the economy of the city and East Kent. 1 Hill Street Edinburgh EH2 3JP t: 0131 225 5757 email: mail@yellowbookltd.com
Irvine Bay Regeneration (with Gillespies and Ryden) North Ayrshire Council This important study sets out a strategy for the regeneration of Irvine Bay, and under-performing post-industrial community in Ayrshire. The yellow book team carried out a detailed diagnosis of conditions and prospects in the area, in its city region context. We drew on the experience of other polycentric urban areas to develop a strategy for regeneration and renewal and identified a number of priority projects. We also reviewed a range of delivery models for the area, and made the case for a special purpose vehicle. The report provided the basis of a successful bid to the Scottish Executive for URC status. Paisley Town Centre Study (with Ryden, MRC McLean Hazel, wmud) Paisley Vision Board, Renfrewshire Council, SE Renfrewshire This study was commissioned following the announcement of major store closures in Paisley town. The study developed an ambitious diversification strategy for the town centre, based on an understanding of its role in the Glasgow metropolitan region, and designed to mobilise market activity in residential and commercial markets, and to capitalise on Paisley s status as a university town. Keswick Town Centre Study wmud Keswick Area Partnership The WMUD team was appointed to develop a strategy for the centre of Keswick, one of the busiest and most popular towns in the Lake District. prepared the Keswick Report which draws together data and analysis on the policy context for the study, the economy of Keswick, tourism and transport together with a detailed urban design appraisal. 1 Hill Street Edinburgh EH2 3JP t: 0131 225 5757 email: mail@yellowbookltd.com
Clyde Waterfront Development Potential (with Gillespies and Ryden) Scottish Enterprise on behalf of the Clyde Waterfront Working Group This groundbreaking report was commissioned at the request of the Scottish Executive Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, and the final report was presented and agreed at a Ministerial Summit. The study comprised three key elements: an international review of waterfront developments, which provided the basis for the identification of 14 best practice benchmarks an analysis of development plans and proposals, leading to the presentation of a range of development scenarios the development of recommendations including a framework for action by the partners: these recommendations have been adopted by the Working Group. Grassmarket Area Study Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh & Lothian This study presented a comprehensive baseline view of the historic Grassmarket area of Edinburgh ahead of a planned programme of environmental improvements. A census of local businesses and a survey of residents, workers and visitors provided valuable insights into trading conditions and perceptions of an area which is one of the city s most popular evening economy destinations. Action Plan for Motherwell and Wishaw (with Kevin Murray Associates, wmud, Ryden and Turner & Townsend) North Lanarkshire Council was commissioned to prepare a strategy for the regeneration of the Motherwell Wishaw urban area in central Scotland. The background to the study was the need to establish a broader strategic context for the proposed redevelopment of the former Ravenscraig steelworks. This wide-ranging study establishes guiding principles and priority actions for a 20-year change programme. 1 Hill Street Edinburgh EH2 3JP t: 0131 225 5757 email: mail@yellowbookltd.com
St Helier Urban Character Appraisal wmud States of Jersey s contribution to this important study of Jersey s capital focused on the drivers of change in St Helier. We examined the effects on the town of the rapid expansion of the financial services sector, the decline of traditional tourism and the development of new waterfront sites. Canterbury Creative and Cultural Quarter (with wmud) Canterbury City Council This major study tests the concept of designating a creative and cultural quarter in the heart of Canterbury, as a means of regenerating secondary retail/commercial locations affected by a major new shopping development and other economic drivers. The study assesses the city s creative assets, and their potential to stimulate the growth of knowledge industries. It sets out an urban design strategy designed to reclaim the city s streets, squares, parks and green spaces. Dumfries Town Centre: Urban Design Strategy Gillespies Dumfries & Galloway Council played a lead role in the first stage of this study, which produced a report on the place competitiveness of Dumfries. We examined the changing role of Dumfries, from a centre for rural industry to a post-industrial economy; we also explored the role of the town as a local capital a centre for administration, education and culture, and the future of retail. Clydebank College Clydebank College Board of Management prepared the full business case for the relocation of Clydebank College to a new riverside site in the town centre. Gillespies prepared an architectural concept for the new college, working within an agreed urban design framework. 1 Hill Street Edinburgh EH2 3JP t: 0131 225 5757 email: mail@yellowbookltd.com
Sheffield Scotland Street Gillespies Sheffield City Council, Yorkshire Forward played a key role in a multi-disciplinary team developing a regeneration strategy for this industrial quarter on the fringes of Sheffield city centre. We developed a fine-grained analysis of economic and social change in the Scotland Street area, based on employer surveys and community consultation as well as a review of official data. Alloa Town Centre Strategy Clackmannanshire Council The first stage of this study was designed to help Clackmannanshire Council to make some key strategic decisions about the future of the town centre, and to identify areas for priority action. The Council has now agreed to focus on three town centre locations, and has subsequently prepared a market appraisal for these priority sites. Helensburgh Town Centre & Waterfront Argyll & Bute Council and Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire This strategy and masterplan for a planned town overlooking the Firth of Clyde was commissioned by Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute Council. led a team including wmud, Ryden and McLean Hazel. The key proposals included a development framework for a neglected and visually damaging site at the pier head. In addition, we prepared proposals for reviving the commercial core of the town centre and an innovative scheme to create a festival marketplace at Helensburgh Central station. Campbeltown Regeneration Strategy Argyll & Bute Council, Argyll & Islands Enterprise, Communities Scotland Following the success of our highly regarded study of Helensburgh (above) we were commissioned to carry out this wide-ranging study of a town which has been in very long decline. Traditional industries have collapsed and attempts to diversify the employment base have had only limited success. Our study will examine the wider regional (Kintyre) context, and explore opportunities in tourism, forest products and renewable energy. 1 Hill Street Edinburgh EH2 3JP t: 0131 225 5757 email: mail@yellowbookltd.com
Kelvin Valley Action Plan North Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire This study examined the opportunities for regeneration in the Kelvin Valley, following the restoration of the Forth & Clyde Canal. The yellow book team developed a practical plan for action in Kilsyth, the principal local centre, at Auchinstarry Basin, and in the wider study area. Dunfermline City Centre Strategy and Framework for Action Fife Council This major study led to the development of a wide-ranging strategy for the future development of Dunfermline city centre. This historic town has a fine architectural heritage, but the performance of the central area has been undermined by the decline of retail and other economic activities. The strategy sets out recommendations relating to employment, the property market, traffic and transport, culture, tourism and urban design. The strategy has been adopted as the centrepiece of the bid for the Royal Dunfermline Urban Regeneration Company. Keith Town Centre Strategy wmud Moray Council We carried out research on the dynamics of change in this small town in the north east of Scotland, charting the decline of traditional industries and the suburbanisation of the countryside. We led two workshops for stakeholders and community representatives. South Tyneside Riverside Gillespies South Tyneside Council is part of a multi-disciplinary team appointed by South Tyneside Council to develop a strategy for the regeneration of South Tyneside s riverside, from Hebburn to South Shields. Once the industrial heart of this riverside community, the study area s decline has reflected the long-term process of industrial restructuring in South Tyneside. The ambitious package identifies opportunities for transformational change in three key locations, and sets out a strategy for managing change and incremental improvements around continuing port operations. 1 Hill Street Edinburgh EH2 3JP t: 0131 225 5757 email: mail@yellowbookltd.com
Transforming Lanarkshire s Towns (with Gillespies and Ryden) Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Council, South Lanarkshire Council, Communities Scotland This ambitious study was based on a review of conditions and prospects in 18 town centres in Lanarkshire, and included an audit of economic, social and environmental conditions, with a qualitative review of place attributes and competitiveness. This formed the basis for an analytical framework to enable policy makers to target and prioritise interventions. An intervention framework was developed, and now the forms the basis for jointly planning between the partners. Sunderland Economic Prosperity Study (with the Centre for Urban & Regional Development Studies, Newcastle) City of Sunderland Council This challenging and wide-ranging study examines the performance of the Sunderland in the past decade and reviews the city s competitive advantage. Drawing on UK and European research, the study shows that the geography of the knowledge economy has been slow to change. Sunderland is one of the UK s most successful inward investment locations, but the city continues to compete on cost, rather than skills and innovation. Dunbartonshire Competitive Place Strategy Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire In 1998 carried out a pioneering study of the place competitiveness of Dunbartonshire, a diverse area which includes a large tract of Glasgow s suburbs, as well as traditional industrial towns and the shores of Loch Lomond, in Scotland s first national park. The study was very highly regarded and has provided the template for action by Scottish Enterprise and partner bodies since it was published. In 2005 we were asked to review and refresh the strategy, taking account of changes in the policy and market context. 1 Hill Street Edinburgh EH2 3JP t: 0131 225 5757 email: mail@yellowbookltd.com
Reversing the cycle of decline Young adults, Retain/ econ active, Population attract Result educated stable PULL FACTORS Older Opportunity Positive A better jobless, Housing impact? life less educated Services Social/QOL VIRTUOUS CIRCLE Inverclyde Vision Inverclyde Alliance were commissioned by the Inverclyde Alliance partners to develop a strategic proposition for the regeneration of the Port Glasgow- Greenock area. The resulting report and presentation produced breakthrough ideas which now form the basis for the emerging URC business plan. INCOME BASE LABOUR E PRISE HOUSING SUPPLY CULTURE CHOICE IMAGE Dundee Cultural Quarter Scottish Enterprise Tayside/Dundee City Council We were commissioned to review the development of the cultural quarter since 1999, when two major cultural anchors were created: Dundee Contemporary Arts and the refurbished Dundee Rep. The present study will evaluate progress to date, and appraise future projects, including a proposal to create workspace for the creative/ cultural industries. Kirkcudbright Art Gallery (with Gillespies) Dumfries and Galloway Council, KAG Interim Board This study had three key objectives: (i) to establish a robust description, specification and outline budget for the proposed new art gallery, which will be a joint venture with the National Galleries of Scotland, (ii) to estimate the direct and indirect economic impact of the project, and (iii) to appraise two short-listed locations for the new facility. 1 Hill Street Edinburgh EH2 3JP t: 0131 225 5757 email: mail@yellowbookltd.com
Muirtown Basin, Inverness Gillespies British Waterways/Highland Council The Muirtown Basin is an under-used asset: a large basin at the seaward end of the Caledonian Canal, close to Inverness city centre and commanding fine views of the Beauly Firth. But it is also a constrained site, with limited development space, pinch points in the roads network, and surrounded by suburban housing. The consultant team led by Gillespies generated proposals for a staged, housing-led development process, while highlighting commercial/tourism opportunities in the medium-term. Sheffield: Cultural Industries Quarter Strategy EDAW (project director: John Lord) Sheffield City Council John Lord led the multi-disciplinary study team that prepared a strategy for the development of Sheffield s emerging Cultural Industries Quarter (CIQ). The strategy which has been adopted by the City Council, and embedded in supplementary planning guidance sets out proposals for the future development of the quarter, balancing a complex series of stakeholder interests and requirements. The architects, Timpson Manley, prepared architectural and design guidelines. Banff and Macduff Economic Strategy (with Scottish Agricultural College and Donaldsons) Aberdeenshire Council This major project was based on original research into the performance of the economy of these twin towns in the north east of Scotland. Following extensive consultations with business and community leaders, we developed a compelling account of trends and prospects. Following a public consultation, a strategy and action plan was agreed. The strategy has been endorsed by the Council and an implementation plan is being prepared. JLA had previously been commissioned by the Aberdeenshire Towns Partnership to prepare strategies for Inverurie and Ellon. 1 Hill Street Edinburgh EH2 3JP t: 0131 225 5757 email: mail@yellowbookltd.com
Eurotowns Network Eurotowns Eurotowns is a network of small cities and towns throughout Europe. Its purpose is to promote the exchange of experience and good practice, and to influence the policy agenda of the EU and national governments. The network had become moribund, with declining levels of membership and participation. was appointed to help revitalise Eurotowns, by facilitating the development of a new strategy and business plan. Working with a multi-national team of officers from member cities, we prepared a new strategy which will see membership quadruple in 3 years. Revitalisation of North Sea Harbour Towns Casus (Netherlands) Consortium of local authorities JLA were appointed as International Experts for this INTERREG IIc project which has analysed the challenges facing seven North Sea ports in Scotland, Germany and the Netherlands. We played a key role in the identification of cross-cutting strategic themes, and in the preparation of guidance for local teams charged with preparing long-term development scenarios and action plans. An international conference, scheduled for the summer of 2001 will endorse the strategic framework, and provide the platform for local action and future trans-national projects. Aberdeen Urban Realm Strategy Gillespies Aberdeen City Centre Partnership JLA played a key part in this ground-breaking strategy, which positions urban design as a key tool for economic development and urban renewal. We facilitated a highly successful scenario planning workshop, following which the Place Competitiveness Report was published. The report provides the strategic context for a portfolio of 7 outstanding urban realm projects developed by Gillespies. 1 Hill Street Edinburgh EH2 3JP t: 0131 225 5757 email: mail@yellowbookltd.com
Urban Regeneration Policy JLA Scottish Enterprise We were appointed to advise an SE leadership team on the development of urban regeneration policy, and the preparation of a framework for prioritisation. Following a series of workshop sessions, a framework was prepared which was subsequently embedded in the network s business planning process. Dynamics of change Developing opportunities YES Opportunity & choice? NO Causes of Effects of exclusion exclusion More leavers than arrivals City image affected City less attractive PUSH Competing regions PULL Local lifestyle choices Tomorrow s Dundee Dundee City Council This study was commissioned as part of Dundee s community planning process. The project centred on two events: an informal reception for wide range of community and business leaders, followed by an all day scenario planning workshop. The key outcome of the workshop was the development of a systems model for the city, showing the interaction between social, economic, technological and environmental factors. A richly illustrated report included material on the history, heritage and culture of Dundee. Rural Regeneration Various Various We have extensive experience of rural regeneration issues, and have carried out research on small towns, rural tourism and entrepreneurship. Relevant projects include: a study of e-business in rural areas; research on mobile investment in rural North Yorkshire; a study of visitor attractions in Grampian; a series of economic development strategies for small towns in rural Aberdeenshire, Lanarkshire, Lothian and Ayrshire; economic development strategy and community planning in Dumfries & Galloway; a feasibility study for a healthy living centre in Inverurie; a comparative study/strategy for small harbour towns in Germany, the Netherlands and the UK; an evaluation of the Bute Initiative. 1 Hill Street Edinburgh EH2 3JP t: 0131 225 5757 email: mail@yellowbookltd.com
Creative and cultural industries Various Various is an acknowledged leader in this field. We have completed a series of major studies for Scottish Enterprise Glasgow on the scale and composition of the creative industries in the city. We are currently leading a major study the first of its kind in Scotland to analyse the supply and demand for skills in these emerging industries. The creative industries are an essentially urban phenomenon: producers often cluster together in cultural districts. While he was a Director of EDAW, John Lord led the study team that produced an acclaimed strategy for Sheffield s Cultural Industries Quarter. Other experience The team has worked in numerous other towns and cities, including: Alexandria Beith Belfast Cambuslang Darlington Dundee Edinburgh Ellon Inverness Larkhall Inverurie Muirkirk Perth Ravenscraig Rutherglen Stonehaven Telford Tyne & Wear We have conducted a number of international research projects, documenting best practice in urban development and place marketing. John Lord is a regular speaker at conferences and events. His work (for EDAW) on the Belfast City Region was presented at the 1997 Conference on Urban Challenge in Europe in Rome. We have organised study tours for clients to Newcastle, Manchester, Sheffield, the Ruhrgebeit, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. 1 Hill Street Edinburgh EH2 3JP t: 0131 225 5757 email: mail@yellowbookltd.com