City living research supported by KW Linfoot plc. Survey work on cultural activities funded by the Beeston and Holbeck Neighbourhood Renewal Team.
What kinds of spaces are emerging in Leeds – a city dubbed ‘boomtown’ as a result of a strong external appearance of a prosperous city on the move? Research into contrasting aspects of urban regeneration is providing a picture of its complexity and diversity. While there is often a commitment to broad definitions of culture as a way of life, on the ground ‘culture’ often equates to promoting property development and investment. Alternative views of culture, which make space for different ideas, are being investigated alongside research offering a clearer insight into the regeneration process. For example, although city living has expanded rapidly in many UK cities, research into the supply of and demand for city-centre apartments and critical analysis of market strengths and weaknesses is scant. A detailed investigation of Leeds has provided firmer evidence on the scale and evolution of the phenomenon, the nature of the demand, and the outlook for the future. Families with children are an important segment of the market for the city centre ‘offer’, yet much could be done to improve attractions and facilities for families. Policies urging sustainable consumption mean that city centres should increasingly be offering more ‘experiences’ alongside tangible goods. Research is aiming to unlock ideas to inform public- and private-sector operators of potential ways to improve the family-friendliness of city centres in sustainable ways. The role of arts and cultural activities in the urban regeneration of Beeston and Holbeck has been examined by surveying the activities of 26 community organisations. Such activities enhance the vibrancy of the urban experience and provide a fuller account of the nature of urban regeneration.
Chatterton, P. and Unsworth, R. (2004) ‘Making space for culture(s) in Boomtown. Some alternative futures for development, ownership and participation in Leeds city centre’ Local Economy 19(4), 361–379
Fox P. and Unsworth R. (2003) City Living in Leeds 2003 School of Geography, University of Leeds and KW Linfoot plc, Leeds.
Unsworth, R. ‘How green is my city? Environment and sustainability: status, policy and prospects’ in Unsworth R. and Stillwell J., (eds) Twenty-first Century Leeds: Geographies of a Regional City, Leeds University Press, Leeds.
Unsworth, R. (2004) Making cities more sustainable: people, plans and participation. In Purvis, M. and Grainger, A. (eds) Exploring Sustainable Development: Geographical Perspectives, Earthscan, London, 128–155.
Unsworth R. and KW Linfoot plc (2005) City living in Leeds 2005, School of Geography, University of Leeds and KW Linfoot plc.