Barrhead: Regeneration of a typical Scottish town

Abstract

This paper outlines the approach taken by East Renfrewshire Council to regenerate Barrhead, a typical post-industrial town in the west of Scotland. A major long-term regeneration programme began in 2006 with a view to bringing in new inward investment, creating jobs, improving health outcomes, raising educational achievement, improving house values and creating much enhanced public realm, green space and amenity within the town itself. Key issues include: deindustrialisation and the need to reinvent the purpose and function of the town in the wider Clyde Valley/Glasgow City context, how to develop a long-term approach, the stages involved and the requirement to secure political commitment, Urban Design Framework — high-quality approach, combining all the opportunities, keeping on track, when major elements are delayed or lost, measuring impacts — some unforeseen success, what would be done differently next time?