November 2008 - Regeneration nation
Ignorant critics may say investing in the
'fallen' cities of the UK is pointless, yet numerous
successful regeneration projects are proving them wrong
Does regeneration of cities ever work? Cynics say it's all
money wasted. These are the same cynics who say nothing Government
can do ever works, we should shrink the size of the state, cut
taxes and just forget about the forgotten places they have never
visited. Of course it was precisely that arrogantly southern frame
of mind that produced the disgraceful Policy Exchange think tank
report suggesting places like Liverpool and Sunderland should be
evacuated and the entire population of Britain should go and live
in the Thames Gateway.
The truth is that investment in cities that struggled after they
lost heavy engineering, mining and shipbuilding industries has at
last begun to pay off. Not all Conservatives have always been so
scornful about what can be done: Michael Heseltine did start to
reshape a new vision of Liverpool with positive enthusiasm back in
the 1980s. It's unlikely it would have won the European culture
crown without the firm beginnings of the Tate and the Albert Dock.
To read more from Polly Toynbee please join.
Post Your Comment
You must be logged in to submit a comment.
If you are not yet a Candis member and want to find out more about the benefits of joining Candis Magazine...
We're confident that our travel insurance will provide you with peace of mind, allowing you the freedom to sit back, relax and get the most out of your holiday. Whether you're off on a short break or venturing further afield, our policies will keep you covered. Save up to £22.58 with Candis Travel Insurance More
Comments:
"I must object strongly to the sweeping generalisation in the phrase ' southern frame of mind ' - I think this is beneath a writer of Miss Toynbee's stature, and as a southerner,oh you guessed, can assure you we don't all think along the same lines by a very long way!!!!!!"
Jacqui Little - Wednesday 10th Dec 2008