New Estate Regeneration Strategy is an opportunity for transformation

Design Council Cabe welcomes the publication of the government’s long-awaited Estate Regeneration Strategy. The approach sets out a clear opportunity to transform estates across England.

Too many people continue to live in estates which were badly designed and poorly maintained creating social and economic inequalities that hinder wider life chances. The publication of today’s strategy offers a new approach placing good design at the heart of regeneration.

 Well-designed development can reduce costs and increase value for all. The strategy builds on Design Council Cabe’s work in community led development, neighbourhood planning support and independent early stage design review.

Building support and brokering engagement is essential for effective regeneration – not just because it helps speed up the process – but because it leads to better outcomes for the community.

We particularly support the emphasis placed on engaging with local people.  Building support and brokering engagement is essential for effective regeneration – not just because it helps speed up the process – but because it leads to better outcomes for the community, and has wider, long term social and economic benefits.  

Led by Lord Heseltine, this strategy is the result of extensive consultation with the sector led by the Department of Communities and Local Government.  It draws on a wealth of existing good practice, much of it published by Design Council Cabe, and presents a real opportunity to innovate and improve lives through the use of design.

It is now vital that the strategy is implemented, and given traction across the country. Estate regeneration is a long term process tackling multiple complex social and economic issues from inclusivity, economic growth, health and well-being and crime-reduction. It requires commitment, engagement and partnership that brings people together to deliver transformational change and improved outcomes for communities.

We look forward to working with partners and authorities to support its implementation.