Urban development and regeneration

Includes: urban planning, regeneration, brownfield development and neighbourhood planning

The URBED perspective:

Effective urban planning and regeneration are vital for revitalising cities and making optimal use of existing infrastructure. Focused brownfield development allows cities to expand sustainably by transforming underused or contaminated sites into vibrant communities, reducing urban sprawl. Neighbourhood planning emphasises local engagement and context-specific strategies, fostering social cohesion, resilience, and environmentally sustainable growth. These approaches ensure urban areas are liveable, inclusive, and adaptable to future challenges.

Building Social Cities

Building Social Cities

“Building Social Cities” is a compilation of nine papers published in the journal of the Town & Country Planning Association, focusing on innovative urban planning and development strategies. It explores how a British Investment Bank could mobilise bond finance to enhance housing and local growth, addressing the urgent need for increased housebuilding and improved infrastructure. The document examines successful European practices, aiming to provide policymakers with practical solutions to housing challenges. It advocates for land reform and better funding mechanisms to create sustainable, thriving urban environments across the UK.
Shaping better and healthier cities

Shaping better and healthier cities

The National Audit Office’s report assessing the government’s performance on building new homes concludes that local authorities should not take the blame when so much is outside their control. That report rightly recommends looking at the way infrastructure is financed, as this is not only critical to overcoming local objections but exceeds the cost of constructing each new house. At a time when local authorities seem to have so little power, Dr Nicholas Falk looks at how cities can shape their future.
Indian Urban Futures III: Building eco neighbourhoods in mid-sized cities

Indian Urban Futures III: Building eco neighbourhoods in mid-sized cities

The 2019 Symposium emphasised the importance of developing eco-neighbourhoods in mid-sized Indian cities such as Tirunelveli and Chennai. The event was held from March 1st to 4th, 2019, in Tirunelveli and Chennai, India. The format included discussions, presentations, and collaborative sessions focused on building eco-neighbourhoods in mid-sized cities. Participants comprised a diverse group of stakeholders, including urban planners, local government officials, researchers, architects, environmentalists, and community representatives. This multi-disciplinary gathering aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange, share successful case studies, and develop joint strategies for sustainable urban development tailored to the regional context.
Oxford Central West Hand-out

Oxford Central West Hand-out

This two-page graphic focusses on west Oxford-perhaps the most extraordinary underdeveloped area of any historic city. This area is crucial to the future of the city and the potential of the area will not be fully exploited unless the various planned developments are coordinated. The 200 acre site is currently a fragmented and largely forgotten part of the city. It is susceptible to flood and sliced up by the railway line, river and canal so that east/west movement is very difficult. Despite its proximity to the centre of Oxford it feels isolated. It should be one of the most valuable parts of the city but the constraints make development difficult.