Regeneration and economic development

Regeneration and economic development

We have a longstanding interest in researching and evaluating regeneration and economic development programmes. Our staff have national and international reputations in these areas, and many act in an advisory capacity to national and local government.

Through our wide-ranging work, we research deprived areas and populations, and the drivers and impacts of community involvement and participation. We evaluate programmes and projects that aim to support regeneration and community development, and assess their impact.

In 2010, we completed the ten-year evaluation of the New Deal for Communities initiative on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government. It was the largest and most comprehensive evaluation of an area-based initiative ever commissioned in the UK.

In the field of economic development, we look at local and regional economies, and what may be the drivers for economic development in a given context. We evaluate programmes and projects that aim to promote economic growth, and assess their impact on geographic areas and communities. Our research has informed EU, national, regional and local strategy and policy.

Examples of our work include

an assessment of schemes promoting higher level skills as a basis for improved economic performance
a review of rural community-based social enterprises as a basis for reviving village economies
a study of the economic links between coalfield areas undergoing regeneration and neighbouring cities
an estimate of the scale and nature of the seaside tourism industry

Evaluation of the Community Investment Enterprise Facility

Project Director: Chris Dayson
Project Duration: 2018-2024

An evaluation of a major investment by Big Society Capital in Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) that aims to promote the growth and development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Future Parks Accelerator programme evaluation

Project Director: Dr. Will Eadson
Project Duration: 2019 - 2021

The Future Parks Accelerator programme aims to create a step-change in park management, funding and value through innovation, collation and dissemination of ‘best in class’ practices, adapting ‘what works’ from other sectors and blending for parks. The evaluation will: examine different emerging models for parks funding and management; the processes involved in doing so; and the impacts of the different approaches taken by the nine funded projects. Empirical material is being gathered through in-depth cases studies of funded projects, using participatory methods to ensure that projects and their stakeholders play a meaningful part in the evaluation process. The evaluation will focus on sharing learning throughout the course of the project, through learning events, blogs and insight reports.

Local and regional responses to connected and autonomous vehicles

Project Director: Professor Ed Ferrari
Project Duration: 2020 - 2022

Technological advances and regulatory changes for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (C/AVs) create a set of new policy problems for local and regional policy makers required to accommodate C/AVs within built environments. Concerns around safety, urban design, and infrastructure (amongst others) will not be solved immediately and instead will form part of a long transitional period as C/AVs compete for a place in already complex transit systems. Concurrent efforts to increase levels of walking, cycling, and other Active Travel modes in response to climate and public health concerns will further problematise this transitional period, requiring solutions to challenging policy problems.

Room to Move – Impacts of road-space reallocation (REMODEL)

Project Director: Dr Stephen Parkes
Project Duration: 2020-2021

Sheffield City Council (SCC) and Lancashire County Council (LCC) are currently implementing road-space reallocation measures to facilitate social distancing and increase levels of active travel in the post-lockdown landscape. The adaptations address road-space capacity issues for non-vehicle users along key commuter routes. These measures are an important element of the creation of a ‘climate-smart’ recovery and support the longer-term goal of de-carbonising transport.

Autonomous vehicle regulation in practice: Is the UK ready?

Project Manager: Dr Stephen Parkes
Project Duration: 2020-2021

Identified as a 'game-changer', the development of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV's) provides key social, economic and environmental opportunities. Yet, within the context of other interventions that have pledged to transform travel (for example, Uber), CAV's could radically disrupt existing transport systems, causing complex conundrums for already financially-stretched local authorities. In addition, the introduction of the underpinning legislative framework, the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018, has received criticism for raising more questions than answers about how CAV-associated risks and liabilities will play out in practice.

Key clients

Big Lottery Fund

Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation

Community Fund

DEFRA

Délégation interministérielle à la ville (DIV)

Department for Communities and Local Government

Department for Work and Pensions

Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR)

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (DecarboN8 Network)

Financial Inclusion Services (Yorkshire)

Foundations Independent Living Trust (FILT)

Furness Enterprise Ltd

Groundwork

Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Labour Party

Lambeth Council

Local Trust

National Lottery Community Fund

National Lottery Heritage Fund

National Trust

New Deal for Communities Partnerships

North East Derbyshire District Council

Northern Housing Consortium

Oldham Council

Power to Change

Regional Studies Association

RICS Research Trust

Sheffield City Region

Visit Wales

Voluntary Action Rotherham

Wakefield Metropolitan Borough Council

Working Links

Regeneration and economic development

Staff undertaking research include

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Key clients