Renewed perspectives on regeneration in the North
Our Renew inquiry has launched a series of think-pieces from the North’s leading voices on regeneration. The collection sets the context for the Renew inquiry, looking at why regeneration is an essential part of tackling the housing crisis in the North.
The articles share examples of best practice and partnership working, as well as covering the importance of resident voice in regeneration. Some of the articles look beyond the social housing sector into the private rented sector, and at community-led initiatives.
Renew is an inquiry, led by the NHC and supported by Homes for the North and Muse, to explore how housing-led regeneration can deliver growth, help tackle the housing crisis, and strengthen communities across the North.
Publication of the ‘Perspectives on Regeneration’ follows the Renew Call for Evidence, which closed at the end of February. The response received from housing associations and local authorities who submitted evidence represents over 70% of the North’s social housing. The perspectives series aims to set the tone for Renew and encourage conversations, collaboration and debate about housing-led regeneration, while the Call for Evidence submissions are analysed.
Northern Housing Chief Executive Tracy Harrison said:
“I’m so grateful to everyone who has contributed to the perspectives on regeneration collection. It has been fantastic working with such a range of voices. This collection sets out what we want to achieve through Renew, the case for regeneration in the North, alongside some inspiring examples of people-centred housing-led regeneration. I hope the perspectives will definitively reset the narrative and change perceptions of regeneration.”
Chair of Homes for North Paul Fiddaman said:
“Housing-led regeneration has the potential to transform communities and turn ambition into real, longterm change for people and places. Our research has identified 80 strategic regeneration projects across the North that could deliver around 43,000 homes and unlock £5.2 billion in investment.
With the right investment — and partners pulling in the same direction — we can improve existing homes, deliver the new affordable housing the region needs, and build thriving communities across the North”
Managing Director of national placemaker Muse Phil Mayall said:
“Regeneration has a vital role to play in tackling the housing challenge across the North, not just by delivering new homes, but by strengthening existing communities and creating places where people want to live and stay.
“These perspectives highlight the importance of long-term partnership, local leadership and community voice in delivering lasting value for places, ensuring no one and nowhere is left behind.”
The perspectives series is available on the Renew website and includes the following articles:
Tracy explains how the Renew inquiry is an essential part of the NHC’s vision that everyone has a safe, warm home that’s affordable to them in a place they’re proud of.
Lord Best shares why he is chairing the Renew inquiry. He wants to make sure there is full recognition of the case for improving the lives of those living in highly unsatisfactory homes and environments – alongside developing new homes.
Regeneration specialist Ed Ferrari: The challenge for Renew
Ed challenges Renew to build a compelling case for housing-led regeneration by highlighting the social, economic and political benefits, learning from the past and identifying specific challenges in the North.
Paul shares Homes for the North’s findings about the need for and benefits of housing-led regeneration in the North. He discusses how regeneration complements development of new homes, and ways regeneration can be supported at scale.
Phil looks at the ingredients needed to make regeneration a success including partnership working and community trust built through delivering visible results.
Charlie and Nick believe that that devolution offers a massive opportunity. They argue a dedicated, locally administered funding pot for housing regeneration would be transformative. It would allow regions to target investment where it will have the greatest impact and drive long term regeneration
Andrew Cooper MP for sets out how housing-led regeneration gives Government the opportunity to connect national objectives – growth, opportunity, and fairness – with the everyday places where people live their lives.
Pat Ritchie, Chair of Homes England: Housing-led regeneration as a driver of delivery and growth
Pat shares how Homes England is ready to work as part of strong partnerships to bring confidence and long-term change to areas.
Dr Michael shares learning from Liverpool’s Grove Street regeneration project. He says regeneration is about more than replacing old homes, it’s about renewing opportunity, restoring pride and building the conditions for long-term prosperity.
Cedric shares a different approach to regeneration talking about how Unity’s two main divisions, Unity Housing and Unity Enterprise, work together to provide a launchpad for people to transform their life chances.
Lara shares how a ‘Resident Power’ approach to the regeneration of Gleadless Valley has built trust and established an important community role in the future of the area.
Adam shares key principles for Renew to make sure improving homes and neighbourhoods is truly community-led.
Carla Keegans, Housing Consultant: The essential role of the PRS in regenerating the North
Carla shares her views on issues in the private rented sector, and why the sector must be at front of mind when planning regeneration. Carla founded The Ethical Lettings Agency in Redcar in Teeside in 2015.
Paula Graves, Community-Led Housing Manager: Community-led regeneration in East Marsh
Paula sets out how East Marsh in Grimsby has been transformed by residents through a community-led movement.
The next steps for Renew include publication of an interim report in the summer, which will analyse responses to the Call for Evidence, and a series of tours visiting regeneration sites across the North.
To find out more about Renew and to read the perspectives visit the Renew website.
