Urbanism
Environment
Design

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Comparisons with similar places in the UK (Gateshead, Southwark and Bradford) revealed ten messages for policy that are highly relevant to moves to devolve economic power to local authorities, following the Treasury's Sub National Review, and for providing the soft and hard infrastructure needed for sustainable growth:1. Recognise that cities are in competition2. Focus on the wider metropolitan area (or city regions)3. Work together across boundaries, sectors and professions4. Devolve real power and resources to city authorities5. Provide incentives for sustainable success6. Create attractive and balanced residential neighbourhoods7. Invest in high quality infrastructure and public realm8. Spread the benefits of economic development throughout the community9. Build permanent delivery organisations and skills10. Value the role of culture in regenerationThe summary concludes that 'The changes to the regional planning and budgeting systems along with the introduction of Multi-Area Agreements for groups of local authorities provides an ideal opportunity for making the connections that have been missing in the past'.The report forms part of a wider programme of research that JRF has commissioned on Transforming People and Places. URBED has also been drawing lessons from Berlin and Dutch cities for sustainable communities, as well as international experience with Eco-towns.