Regeneration: Should it be targeted at a city-region or neighbourhood scale?

Abstract

The UK Government's regeneration policies constantly vary their focus between setting priorities at the city-region and the neighbourhood levels. This paper argues, based on the writer's experience in the North West of England, that the regeneration outcomes, whether economic, environmental, artistic or social, that have an impact on most individuals come from activities at a level between these two, namely at a district or town level. Recognising this does not necessarily imply an acceptance of lower standards or inferior quality. Examples of outcomes of regional and national significance which are not confined to city areas are used to make this case.