Global flagships, local impacts

Over the past three decades, the use of site-specific, iconic flagship regeneration projects has become a popular tool for urban development. This is particularly true in former industrial cities that have suffered from both economic decline and poor image. Such projects are intended to act as catalysts for further development, to attract inward investment and help produce a new icon or image for the city and, as such, they are often geared to outside audiences of tourists, investors or potential residents. With their high profile and external audience, they strive to become global spaces. However, because they are built into an existing urban fabric, they have a very strong local impact. This paper reviews the development and evolution of flagship regeneration over the past three decades, particularly with reference to how it contrasts with other forms of urban regeneration. It will also review the major criticisms of flagship projects during this time, paying particular attention to their impact on local residents.