What are the key groups and networks for regeneration in Wales?
In the second in a series of WHQ features, Professor Dave Adamson outlines the main regeneration groups and networks in place in Wales. a similar feature on planning networks will follow in a future issue. See WHQ 91 for a guide to housing networks
Recent years have seen the demise of a number of important regeneration networks (for example, BURA) as the regeneration infrastructure in the UK has been compromised by the austerity agenda and the closure of key institutions such as the English Regional development agencies. However, a number of physical networks have survived in wales and additional networks are constituted online, with LinkedIn providing a number of opportunities to network with other practitioners in the field.
CREW-hosted networks
In Wales, CREW Regeneration Wales hosts three regeneration- focused networks. They are:
• The Small Towns: Delivery and Policy Network: This network focuses on town centre regeneration and all issues and concerns currently affecting the ‘High Street’ in our towns and cities. The network has a steering group to provide guidance on key issues and has a wider membership of people concerned with town centre regeneration. Join here
• The Housing-Led Regeneration Network: Established by CREW Regeneration Wales and Community Housing Cymru, the network considers the wider role of housing in regeneration and provides an opportunity to share information on policy developments and best practice, and to influence policy and practice at events and discussions. Join here
• The Regeneration Skills Collective Wales: CREW is now hosting the RSCW, which combines the professional bodies who make a contribution to the achievement of regeneration in Wales. Members of the RSCW are RICS (Wales), RTPI (Cymru), ICE (Wales), CIH (Cymru), LIW, The network is administered by the RSCW Steering Group and there is a related Practitioners Group who meet regularly.
Rural networks
There are also several forums/networks active in rural regeneration:
• The WLGA Rural Forum, is a specific sectoral grouping within the Welsh Local Government Association whose membership includes local authorities for Anglesey, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Monmouthshire, Pembrokeshire, Powys and with representation from National Parks Wales.
• The Wales Rural Network, founded by Welsh Government, is responsible for promoting the exchange of expertise between everyone involved in the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013. The Network makes a real contribution to the RDP by helping to add value to the funding available. It is not clear if this will continue for the 2014-2020 programme period. Find out more here
LinkedIn networks
LinkedIn is a rich resource for regeneration related networking. To join any of the networks listed below search for the title in LinkedIn.
Regeneration and Renewal Network: hosted by the online version of the now defunct magazine of that title. The network posts regeneration- related news and commentary with a very active discussion flow on key regeneration issues. The network is very useful for keeping in touch with UK-wide regeneration policy and delivery for wider UK regeneration perspective.
Smart urbanism: Provides discussion, links to blogs and news on the wider field of urban and city planning issues. With an international membership it is an excellent source of information in urban design, place creation, architecture and the regeneration of places.
Regeneration Leaders Network: An active UK forum that also hosts events and occasionally circulates jobs vacancies.
Welsh Regeneration Focus: Varied practitioner membership that discusses issues relevant to Wales and the wider regeneration agenda.
Please get in touch at editor@176.32.230.6 with information about other regeneration groups and networks and we can include it in a future issue.
Professor Dave Adamson is chief executive officer of CREW