The EU – China Mayor’s Forum 19 th September 2012 - Brussels The importance of cities...
-
Upload
derick-stokes -
Category
Documents
-
view
214 -
download
0
Transcript of The EU – China Mayor’s Forum 19 th September 2012 - Brussels The importance of cities...
The EU – China Mayor’s Forum19th September 2012 - Brussels
The importance of cities ‘Investing in Heritage’ as a catalyst for regeneration
Brian Smith - Secretary General
European Association Historic Towns & Regions
Introduction
EAHTR formed in Strasbourg By Council of Europe in October 1999
Rrepresents approx 1000 historic towns and cities in 28 European countries
Aims & Objectives
International co-operation in urban conservation and cultural heritage
Promote vitality viability, and sustainability of historic
towns Share experience and good practice
International cooperation ‘Heritage World’–see our web site www.historic-towns.org EXPO 2010 – Speech in Suzhou ‘Cultural Belonging and the
development of the historic city’
Promoting sustainable management and sharing good practice Conferences – Dubrovnik 3-5th October Produce guidelines e.g. sustainable cultural tourism Arrange experience exchanges Lead and participate in partnership projects funded by EU
INHERIT – Investing in Heritage A guide to successful urban regeneration
Importance of Historic Cities
80% EU’s population and economic activity Existed for centuries Range of inter-related functions
Drivers of economic development Centres of knowledge & innovation Focal points of creativity and culture Places of social inclusion and integration
Importance of Historic Cities
Europe’s international Identity, economic vitality & social cohesion National capitals, regional centres or cultural
hubs
All, in part, derive from the urban quality of their historic urban landscapes
Yet the historic city is often overlooked Strategic importance Current vulnerability
Challenges facing historic cities
Globalization Technological change Religious and ethnic intolerance Loss of historic fabric and identity Model for sustainable regeneration Need to make the case for investing in
heritage
Investing in Heritage
Investing in Heritage –A Guide to Successful Urban Regeneration’
6 cities Newcastle, Belfast, VeronaGothenburg, Gdansk, Ubeda 19 case studies
Lessons & Success factors 4 Recommendations for Local Authorities
Grainger Town –Newcastle, UK
Grainger Town
Civic Vision – Public/Private Partnership 7 Inter-related Regeneration Themes : -
Quality of the Environment - Public Realm Business Development and Enterprise Housing Access to Opportunity – Job Creation Arts, Culture and Tourism Management, Marketing and Promotion
Identified Goals and Outcomes Independent Evaluation
Public / Private Partnership - The benefits
Target Actual
Jobs created 1,900 2,300
Training weeks 5,400 5,100
New businesses 200 330
New floor-space 74K sq.m. 81K sq.m.
New dwellings 520 570
Buildings re-used 70 120
Public investment €59.5m €67m
Private investment €199m €288m
1 Focus on Identity and Diversity…..
Understand the social value of ‘identity’ to local people and its appeal to visitors
Develop cultural approaches that relate to people as well as buildings and include recent events as focus for cultural tourism – Belfast, Gdansk
2. Think and Act Strategically…..
Integrate heritage into corporate strategy – adopt integrated management approaches See also HerO project
3. Invest in Regeneration – especially the Public Realm….
Use public sector investment as catalyst for wider regeneration Open Spaces, paved streets and squares – brings ‘confidence
to residents, businesses and visitors
4. Work in Partnership….
Involve the community and key stakeholders in decision making – Newcastle on Tyne
Understand the value of community engagement in building people’s sense of ‘ownership’ and ‘pride of place’
Research on Social Impact
Conclusions
Focus on the role of the Local Authority as facilitator as well as provider – political leadership crucial
Work in partnership – engage local communities Value Heritage and understand its potential as a catalyst
for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth Historic cities can deliver competitive advantage in an
increasingly globalised world – Help ensure our cities are attractive places to live, work
and invest in - able to respond to the challenges of the 21st century and beyond.
‘A city without a past is like a person without a memory’
Conclusions
Investing in heritage is a major challenge facing today’s decision makers – it is also a duty we owe to future generations