Urban Regeneration
Urban Regeneration Companies
Following the recommendations in Lord Rogers’ Urban Task Force
Report in 1999, Urban
Regeneration Companies (URCs) were established by the
Government and local partners.
Their main objective is to achieve a focused, integrated
regeneration strategy for key towns and cities. They are
responsible for driving forward an integrated vision for the future
of their areas by developing and implementing masterplans.
The URCs in England’s Northwest are:
Liverpool Vision’s ambitious regeneration
programme aims to restore the city’s status as a premier commercial
and retail centre, refurbish its physical fabric and renew its
infrastructure. Action areas include an £80 million new commercial
quarter at St Paul’s Square, Liverpool’s Cultural Quarter and Lime
Street Station, Pier Head, Hope Street Quarter and King’s
Waterfront.
New East Manchester is continuing to build on
the legacy of the 2002 Commonwealth Games and is establishing high
quality employment sites, such as Central Park, the UK's first
large scale urban business park aimed at ICT and high technology
businesses; redeveloping the Bradford Road Triangle to link the
city centre with SportCity; and developing a regeneration framework
for Gorton and its surrounding area.
West Lakes Renaissance is addressing the issues
facing the communities in Barrow-in-Furness and West Cumbria
following the decline in traditional employment industries. Key
projects include The Waterfront in Barrow-in-Furness, a £60 million
masterplan to transform the town’s port, creating a major
employment park for technology-based businesses, a housing
development and marina and watersports complex.
Central Salford was established to stimulate
new investment and strategically co-ordinate regeneration and
redevelopment in seven wards over the next 15 to 20
years. A key element of its programme is the creation of
mediacity:uk at Salford Quays, anchored by the BBC.
ReBlackpool aims to transform Blackpool into a
thriving, modern resort fit for the 21st century by leading on the
delivery of the Blackpool Masterplan. In addition, the URC is
redeveloping Blackpool’s central sea-front to protect the sea-wall
and create a new tourism attraction.