'Gateway' Methodology - Stages of heritage-led regeneration

APPENDIX 1
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE GRAINGER TOWN PROJECT – IDENTIFICATION OF
GOOD PRACTICE IN HERITAGE-LED REGENERATION
The Grainger Town Project is now widely recognised as an exemplary regeneration
scheme and its approach is being applied both in the UK and abroad. So what key lessons
have been learnt
1. The need for a heritage audit and detailed survey of the area at the start of a
regeneration programme to establish the significance of its historic environment and
the main issues which need to be addressed.
2. The need to change perceptions of heritage by promoting a new ‘civic vision’ with a
strong emphasis on urban quality, city living and cosmopolitan lifestyles.
3. The importance of ‘early wins’ and the selective use of compulsory purchase order
powers to demonstrate resolve and commitment. All regeneration projects need high
profile early successes to send a strong message to the property market that positive
change is underway.
4. The importance of creating an ethos of quality and excellence in design through
demonstration projects, informative and promotional handbooks, design guides and
location marketing.
5. The importance of a coherent yet flexible strategy to help build up investment
confidence based on a detailed assessment of the area’s strengths and weaknesses.
6. The need to raise aspirations of the wider community by learning from best practice in
the UK and other European cities.
7. The importance of integration with an emphasis on a holistic conservation-planning
approach to regeneration.
8. The need to establish broad-based partnerships to provide ambassadors for change
and community ownership.
9. The importance of having a dedicated professional project team, based in the area with
strong links to the development industry.
Fiona Cullen
Heritage Officer
Newcastle City Council
20/01/06