Neglected suburbs must be part of 'urban renaissance' warns report

Research by the Civic Trust supported by Ove Arup and Partners warns that suburban Britain has been neglected in current debates about population and housing change and the way we choose to live in the next century. There have been few recent studies examining the future development of suburbs, yet parts of suburbia will need to adapt if we are to achieve a more sustainable lifestyle.

Looking at contrasted areas of Birmingham, Bristol, London and Tyneside, the researchers find evidence that some suburbs are becoming less stable or sustainable in terms of their local economies, social structure and environment. The signs of stress that they identify include:

• deteriorating community facilities, including community centres, health facilities and local green space;
• declining local shopping centres and parades, with outdated facilities and a gradual loss of jobs;
• public transport that has not adapted to changing needs, leading to increasing dependency on cars;
• large areas of ageing housing of a single type, that has been little adapted to changing housing needs and social patterns.

The report suggests that change is occurring in many places, but in a piecemeal fashion and that opportunities for improvement are being lost. It also emphasises that there are many parts of suburbia that are visually attractive, socially popular, economically stable and have a strong sense of community, making it wrong to stereotype all suburbs in a negative way.

The research, nevertheless, suggests that the predominant characteristic of the suburbs studied was a wariness of change and dislike of solutions imposed by outsiders. This underlined the importance of persuading communities to recognise the problems that are now emerging and to become involved in making changes themselves.

Looking at policy options for achieving suburban renewal, the report concludes that large-scale restructuring of suburbia is inappropriate. But it suggests that smaller-scale changes over time could improve the quality of suburban life and foster community involvement and civic pride, while contributing to the Government’s goal of a sustainable ‘Urban Renaissance’.

Suggestions for policy development include central government support for pilot initiatives for encouraging local involvement in reshaping local centres, improving community facilities, promoting housing renewal and integrating public transport. A national ‘Community Chest’ might be established to support community development with money from the National Lottery’s New Opportunities Fund. Another possibility would be the creation of ‘urban parishes’ in suburbia with powers to raise a modest parish rate.

Michael Gwilliam, co-author of the report said: "While it is understandable that much attention in discussion about urban renewal has been focused on inner cities, a lack of analysis and debate about suburban areas is disturbing. Some parts of the suburbs need early attention if they are to avoid becoming tomorrow’s problems. The suburbs do not provide a quick and easy answer to our housing and sustainability problems, but they could, make a significant contribution over time, provided detailed community strategies are put in place to stimulate change. We believe that a modest investment now would reap rich dividends."