Everything about Urban Renaissance totally explained
Urban renaissance is a term used to describe the recent period of repopulation and regeneration of many British cities, including,
Bristol,
Cardiff,
Glasgow,
Leeds,
Manchester, and parts of
London after a period of
suburbanisation during the mid-20th century. This was achieved through a number of initiative including tax incentives and the lifting of some
planning restrictions, as well as positive state intervention encouraging business and residents back into city centre areas. It differs from the
New Urbanism popular in North America, but could be considered the
British equivalent.
Large developments such as the
London Docklands, funded by the Corporation of London, have helped to encourage people back into the city. Urban Renaissance has also been assisted by
gentrification, and has helped to combat
urban decay.
Not all locations that claim an "urban renaissance" fully live up to the name. Many American cities have renaissance themed agency and building names that don't actually experience downtown renewal. A good example is the
Renaissance Center and
Detroit Renaissance Board
in the city of
Detroit, Michigan, where the intent by city leaders to create an urban renaissance may be stifled or thwarted. However, most American cities have seen at least a modest bounce in interest in core cities and older neighborhoods in recent years with a special emphasis on condominium projects, often in formerly non-residential structures.
Often, 17th and 18th-century canals and docks are redeveloped to create expensive modern inner city flats, and old railway yards and derelict industrial sites have been regenerated by 'Urban Renewal Companies' and 'Regional Development Agencies' to provide mixed use developments with public art and high-quality streetscapes. Derelict but attractive historical buildings are often converted into residential or commercial premises (dubbed "
loft apartments" in the US) with generous grants or tax relief.
Efforts to revitalise urban areas often involve ideas of
downtown/
city centre as an art and cultural hub or
arts district, somewhat akin to
Richard Florida's concept of making the urban core friendly to the
Creative Class. City leaders may promote events such as
First Friday art walks and the construction of
convention centers and
theatres in order to attract visitors who live in suburbs.
Most cities in Britain have been successful in encouraging people back into city centers, though this has sometimes proved difficult. Most practitioners would agree that Britain's city centres have turned a corner, although some inner cities around the
Central Business Districts and lower-density suburban areas continue to suffer from blight and
urban decay.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Urban Renaissance'.
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