MIPIM UK DEBATE: The Northern Powerhouse and the Midlands Engine, both areas earmarked for the most dramatic growth, are not going away, according to industry heavyweights.
“With my Northern Gateway hat on, by 2020, there will be 100,000 new homes delivered around Stoke and Cheshire,” said Jackie Sadek, chief operating officer, UK Regeneration, speaking at the MIPIM UK debate entitled UK Cities: Where is regeneration happening and what are the government’s objectives?
Her advice for local authorities delivering homes was to “go as far as you legally can”. “If you don’t get central government approval, I will be amazed,” she said.
Devolution is critical for regeneration as well. According to Sherin Aminossehe, executive director at the Government Property Unit, cities need to have that extra element of control. She said: “Cities need to make sure they have a bespoke deal that is right for them rather than one size fits all,” said Aminossehe.
But it is not just devolution. There is a renewed sense of empowerment from the local authorities, said Sadek.
“There is a new-pro growth feeling among local authority leaders, which is a joy to see. It’s not just devolution, it is empowerment,” she said. “But it isn’t universal and national. There are some places in the country that will not accept any more growth, places like Stoke, Cheshire and Warrington.
“Why wouldn’t you reward them with government support in order to deliver the agenda, rather than fight with someone in some leafy shire to do something that nobody wants?”
While panellists acknowledged that a prelet commitment from the Government Property Unit would help to leverage further regeneration schemes and funding, they agreed it was not the “be all and end all”.
Tim Johnson, strategic director of place at Wolverhampton Council, said the focus also needed to be on people and skills and stressed the importance of placemaking when delivering a large-scale regeneration scheme.
Martin McKay, executive director of Regeneration at ClydeGateway, added: “It is not just about economic assets but cultural assets. We are also focusing on our creative sectors.”
• Click here for the full report of the debate
• To send feedback, e-mail shekha.vyas@estatesgazette.com or tweet @ShekhaV or @estatesgazette
