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