Urban Design and the British Urban Renaissance

Are Britain’s cities attractive places in which to live, work and play? Asking that question, this is a critical review of how the design dimension of the Urban Renaissance strategy was developed and applied, based on expert academic assessments of progress in Britain’s thirteen largest cities. The case studies are preceded by a dissection of New Labour’s renaissance agenda, and concluded by a synthesis of achievements and failings. Exploring the implications of this strategy for the future of urban planning and design, this is a must-read for students, practitioners of these subjects and for all those who wish to improve the quality of the British urban environment. <p>1. An Introduction to the British Urban Renaissance <strong>Part 1: The English ‘The Core Cities’: An Introduction</strong> 2. Birmingham: Translating Ambition into Quality 3. Manchester: Making it Happen 4. Leeds: Shaping Change and Guiding Success <em> </em>5. Sheffield: A ‘Miserable Disappointment’ No More? 6. Liverpool: A Decade of Development and Urban Design 7. Bristol: A Limited Urban Renaissance<em> </em>8. Newcastle: In Search of a Post-industrial Direction 9. Nottingham: A Consistent and Integrated Approach to Urban Design <strong>Part 2: London and Thames Gateway: An Introduction</strong> 10. Central London: Intensity, Excess and Success in the Context of a World City 11. Kings Cross: Renaissance for Whom? 12. The Isle of Dogs: 35 Years of Regeneration, but What Renaissance? 13. Thames Gateway: The Story So Far<em> </em><strong>Part 3: The Celtic Capitals: An Introduction</strong> 14. Edinburgh: Catching Up with the Contemporary 15. Glasgow: Renaissance on the Clyde? <strong>Part 4: Wales: An Introduction</strong> 16. Cardiff: ‘A Reputation for Imaginative Architecture and Iconic Urban Design’?<em> </em><strong>Part 5: Northern Ireland: An Introduction</strong> 17. Belfast: Re-branding the Renaissance City: from ‘the Troubles’ to the Titanic Quarter® 18. Conclusions: Reflecting on Urban Design Achievements in a Decade of Urban Renaissance</p>