Matching the process to the challenge within small town regeneration. Issue 2 (1st January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Powe, Neil; Pringle, Rhona; Hart, Trevor
• Is Part Of: Town planning review. Volume 86:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 177
• Page End: 202
• Publication Date: 2015-01-01
• Subjects: regeneration -- collaborative governance -- small towns -- rural settlements; City planning -- Periodicals; 307.1216
• DOI: 10.3828/tpr.2015.11
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0041-0020

Abstract

Abstract: Previous research suggests that government initiated programmes have often failed to match the process of regeneration to the local challenges faced. This paper explores the potential for enhancing the efficacy of government support by means of a case study within which a government agency attempted to better match the process to the challge. The findings suggest a need to be more realistic about what can be achieved through regeneration assistance. Long-term regeneration processes need to be locally led, where 'big fix' external prescriptions do not adequately match the process to the challenge. New models for government support are required which recognise that successful processes are developed through sustained 'small wins' over long periods. Whilst tensions between external governance ideas/concepts and the practical realities of local implementation remain, locally specific challenges to implementation cannot be circumvented through external prescription tied to funding.