Jackie Sadek, Chief Executive of UK Regeneration(UKR) gives her reaction to the unrest and riots seen across London and the UK and argues that the long term task of regenerating communities must not be deflected by the events of the last few days.
Jackie Sadek (UKR CEO) said:
“We had hoped not to see history repeating itself. 30 years ago riots kick started stronger government engagement in the regeneration process. I’ve been banging on for years now that we have got to get cleverer with our regeneration programmes – it’s not just about the built environment, it’s about the people in the communities – they are at the heart of regeneration.
“Nothing can justify people destroying their communities, committing crimes and putting lives at risk and we extend our sympathy to all those individuals and businesses affected.
“In 1981 Michael Heseltine put his famous “It took a Riot” paper to Cabinet, when he urged a programme of government engagement and intervention in urban areas in response to the riots in Toxteth and Brixton. It is a sad and poignant moment to see such echoes of the past on our television screens.
“Over the last 30 years we have gained huge experience of what works and, more importantly, what doesn’t, in urban regeneration. There should be no kneejerk reaction. At the heart of improving places is engagement with local people and a focus on improving local economies and jobs. We’re aiming to bring private investment to drive improvements in local areas. We stand ready to mobilise all the available expertise.”
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I couldn’t agree more and while social media/internet was at the heart of these dreadful events, we now need to really grasp the opportunity harness these methods to engage local people and give them a say in how their communities should be rebuilt and regenerated.