During this summer’s ‘silly season’, think-tank Policy Exchange argued that cities in northern England, such as Liverpool and Sunderland, were ‘beyond revival’, and the residents should think about moving south. What rot! But hey, the report was talked about. So, perhaps the cunning plan, if that’s what it was, worked.
But it’s food for thought for all in local government to consider the role councils play in terms of the degree of our involvement in regeneration, and supporting our cities, towns and rural areas.
Some district councils, in light of the Sub National Review, may also be wondering if, in future, they have a role in economic regeneration at all. In Teignbridge, economic development and regeneration are top, and we’re pressing ahead with some significant projects. We see SNR as an opportunity, not a threat, to our leadership role.
While we may not face the same depth of issue that some ‘struggling’ cities are managing at present, we do have a diverse mix of urban and rural settlements, an economy relying on agriculture as well as tourism, and many small to medium-sized businesses.
Our challenge is to lead and nurture regeneration of our resorts and market towns, and so boost prosperity, opportunities and aspirations
We’re all feeling the pinch – personally and corporately. However, we’re about to invest around £2.5m capital developing a site we own for starter offices and workshops on a local industrial estate, rather than sell off the site.
Concept designs for a replacement ‘wow factor’ theatre and arts centre on the seafront at Teignmouth, with potential to draw in the local community and visitors, have been well received, and in a chilly economic climate, we will explore options such as asset-backed delivery vehicles.
Banks may be the bad boys of the media at present, but recently, we were delighted to welcome Barclays’ assistance in one of our wards. Barclays granted Teignmouth Community Association £25,000 to provide financial management classes to young people.
Newton Abbot is a key market town in Devon, and investment of £1.8m in the traditional pannier market and joint county/district working on a major scheme to pedestrianise and reinvigorate areas of the town centre, in conjunction with new, affordable housing ready to be occupied in the town centre – made possible by the transfer of council-owned land – demonstrates how local councils can help deliver social and economic regeneration by looking at the bigger picture.
Over the years, councils have demonstrated their ability to transform and regenerate, although now it’s about building partnerships. There’s no need to go south! n
Nicola Bulbeck is chief executive of Teignbridge BC
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