Rethinking scale in territorial development strategic interventions: Towards an area-based focus?

Abstract

The transformed financial–economic context continues to have a very significant impact on established landscapes of urban, rural and regional performances, capacities and potential. Existing intervention mechanisms are challenged, and the new reality suggests the case for institutional experimentation and policy innovation, as development and regeneration arenas will be operating in circumstances radically different from those that have prevailed to the present. A critical reflection of past policy engagement is needed, together with managing present urban conditions and anticipating the future. In this paper, the potential of devising an alternative area-based planning and development approach will be explored, aiming to provide a more devolved, scalar sensitive, focused and integrated framework to urban regeneration. The case of the Netherlands is used to examine the issues involved in reverting to a more strategic area-based planning approach. With such a broader strategic approach, the finer impacts of urban economic change could be addressed.