Through its growing portfolio of research, the SDF aims to provoke new debates in the regeneration sector by focusing thought on subject matters that are not universally understood. To this end, the Forum's research programme draws on the experience and expertise of BURA's entire membership. All of the Forum's papers conclude with a series of progressive recommendations for action. By pushing forward the agenda in this way, the SDF is positioned at the leading edge of regeneration debate in the UK.
Waste Management in Regeneration
This study looks at the role of waste management within regeneration and its importance to the sector. It considers the drivers towards better waste management, and the barriers that are preventing the industry from moving forward at a faster pace.
The report entitled 'Waste Management in Urban Regeneration' finds that, contrary to conventional thinking, the use of recycled materials in construction can, and does, lead to significant cost savings and that no evidence exists to suggest that recycling or waste management is costly. Nonetheless, much of the industry has, until now, seen recycling waste as unprofitable and therefore impractical. Additionally, two thirds of construction businesses still do not know what a Site Waste Management Plan is and over 60% of construction businesses don't even realise that such plans will become a legal requirement next year.
Download the report
Comprehensive Spending Review 2007
The Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) reporting in 2007 will identify what further investments and reforms are needed to equip the UK for the global challenges of the future. BURA's report addresses the key priorities for government funding within the regeneration sector in order to deliver sustainable communities and provide greater efficiencies in investment.
Download the report
Institutional Investment in Regeneration
The Steering and Development Forum has joined forces with the Investment Property Forum (IPF), English Partnerships and the British Property Federation to explore the conditions required to attract institutional finance into regeneration schemes. The UK Government is increasingly seeking to ensure greater involvement of the private sector in the financing and delivery of regeneration projects. To achieve this involves not only much greater joined-up thinking at Government level between, for example, HM Treasury and the ODPM, but also meaningful engagement between the public and private sectors, including financial institutions.
Download the report
Implementing the Planning Gain Supplement
Both HM Treasury and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister have accepted the findings of the Barker Review, including the recommendation that a Planning Gain Supplement (PGS) be introduced. It is understood the Government is aiming to reach a conclusion on how best to advance this proposition by the end of 2006. This working paper outlines a range of concerns on the part of the regeneration practitioners with regard to PGS. In particular, the paper explores how the funds generated from the PGS should be used; how and at what levels the tax should be set; and at what stage the supplement should be collected.
Download the report
Delivering the Sustainable Communities Plan
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Sustainable Communities Plan is the most ambitious national regeneration programme attempted since the development of the New Towns in the decades following 1945. It calls for a step-change in housing provision across the country in order to tackle, first, the housing shortages in the South East and London and, secondly, the abandonment and decline of communities in the Midlands and the North. The Plan envisages the creation of four growth areas in the South, which will lead to the development of over 200,000 new homes. In the North, Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders have been established in order to address the problem of collapsed housing markets and community decline. The SDF's research examines a number of key delivery issues, including the provision of transport infrastructure; economic development and job provision; community cohesion; and medium to longer- term planning and funding issues.
Download the report
Procurement in Urban Regeneration: Accountability, Shared Vision and Partnering.
A range of concerns exist amongst regeneration practioners with regards to the procurement processes utilised at the beginning of major regeneration projects. Many stakeholders believe the procurement process can be wasteful - often resources used at the outset of a project could be employed more gainfully in the later, delivery stages of the venture. Procurement processes can also involve protracted negotiations, slowing the process of delivery, whilst simultaneously inflicting greater risk and cost on all involved. Bidding for a contract can be a complex and costly process, which can discourage all but larger, well financed companies. The SDF's research explores these, and other, issues in an attempt to identify potential solutions for making procurement processes more efficient.
Download the report
Modern Methods of Construction: Evolution or Revolution?
Modern methods of construction (MMC), such as off site manufacture, timber and light gauge steel frame, prefabrication and tunnel form concrete casting, offer some potentially useful solutions to delivering the level of regeneration and new development demanded by the Sustainable Communities Plan. This report examines how MMC can facilitate the delivery of efficient, effective and lasting regeneration and considers those issues that must be overcome in order that MMC can become commonplace. The report details the need to create demand by ensuring MMC give consumers choice and flexibility in terms of the built environment. Within this, there are issues associated with cost, production levels, design quality, risk and environmental benefits which must be considered.
Download the report
Local Government, New Localism and the Delivery of Regeneration
'New Localism', albeit imperfectly defined, is the umbrella term given to the movement calling for the decentralisation of power from Westminster to local areas. In essence, Government will retain responsibility for standard setting and inspection in public services, but will devolve managerial control and accountability to the local level. However, the debate over decentralisation is no longer confined to its traditional boundaries about the correct balance of power between central and local government. It has expanded to include consideration of alternative forms of local service provision and community engagement. This project explores the hopes and aspirations of the regeneration sector as to how localities can be re-empowered to deliver regeneration to best effect.
Download the report
A National Strategy for Regeneration.
BURA wishes to identify whether a consensus exists over the requirement for a national strategy for regeneration. This report examines the format a national strategy could take. This will involve evaluating the level of detail and the key components it could contain. The report will also explore whether or not there is agreement on the main criteria a framework would address and the level of detail that is required.
Download the report
