Briefing: Newlands brownfield regeneration, UK

In the early part of this decade, north-west England had one of the largest areas of brownfield land in the country. A legacy of the industrial revolution, these derelict, underused and neglected spaces, often in the heart of local communities, have affected regional image, impacted on community spirit, attracted anti-social behaviour and discouraged investment. Newlands is a £59 million regeneration programme that is regenerating around 900 ha of targeted brownfield land; it is improving landscapes, encouraging investment and effectively becoming a catalyst for change. Launched in 2003, Newlands is a partnership between the Forestry Commission (managing and delivering the programme) and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (funding the programme), working with a wider group of local partners. Newlands places sustainability and long-term planning at its core. It provides 20 years of investment for projects rather than shorter term ‘development only’ grants. It seeks to deliver high levels of community engagement, understanding and local ownership to enable longer term economic, social and environmental benefits to be achieved.