The future of urban regeneration lies within collaboration
By Alec Hamlin, Blueprint Regeneration
The most successful and impactful regeneration projects are driven by public and private sector partnerships. With local authorities focusing on delivering long-term impact, strategic development that considers economic, environmental and community needs will become catalysts for urban transformation and further investment. With this in mind, Alec Hamlin shares his experience in the industry, exploring how cross-sector collaboration can unite holistic thinking with innovation to pave the way for impactful regeneration before boots hit the ground.
Building for our future
The recent restoration of Sneinton Market in Nottingham is a shining example of how strategic development can consider short, medium and long-term goals to unlock value and growth within a community. With a commitment to the city’s history, Nottingham City Council respectfully built on the area’s heritage, blending its unique characteristics with the needs of modern-day living to create an innovative, thriving neighbourhood that’s facilitated an array of opportunities for the area.
Falling into a decline in the 1990s due to the wholesale fruit and veg market relocating to a different area of the city, the city council invested almost £16m towards its regeneration, along with the restoration of Sneinton Market Square and the adjacent Victoria Leisure Centre. As a direct result, the area received further private investment, helping to transform Sneinton Market into a new home for independent maker-sellers and food and drink operators, and a creating a much improved link between the city centre and the neighbouring residential areas of Sneinton and St Anns.
To continue to build and nurture the community and its needs as we head into the future, the support must continue. At Blueprint, we’re committed to investing in the area to encourage its development. As part of this, we’re delivering a mix of low-energy homes at our Fruit Market development located adjacent to the Leisure Centre and vibrant market area.
The design-led scheme creates unique, sustainably innovative townhouses that surround a communal courtyard. In addition, each home will boast its own private garden, meaning residents will be able to enjoy tranquillity in the heart of the city centre. With community needs and families at the forefront of our plans, the development offers an alternative to the high rise living more typically being developed in the area for those in search of great city links as well as tranquil outdoor space.
Thorough & holistic plans for development
Sneinton Market’s success is testament to the council’s efforts to look beyond construction and towards long-term impact and economic stability. Not only did the development’s place-making efforts successfully drive independent business, interest and investment to the area, but the increase in pedestrian footfall and business activity has also supported the success of Hockley, the nearby, longstanding independent leisure and culture quarter.
A future filled with collaboration
Sneinton Market is one of many UK developments that showcase what cross-sector collaboration could offer our economy, environment and communities. On a national scale, working with a diverse mix of resources, experience and insight will help deliver inclusive cities that stand the test of time.
This holistic approach is pivotal for sustained, resilient growth. The result of the strategic collaboration at Sneinton Market saw the creation of a mix-used neighbourhood that acknowledged the needs of the community while driving further private investment and development. Its ability to attract organic development makes it a blueprint for the sustainable transformation of UK city centres as local authorities attempt to lay long-lasting foundations for future generations.
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The first residents have now moved into the first phase of our Fruit Market development. Find out more about the scheme and our sustainability efforts: https://www.fruitmarket.info/