The EU – China Mayor’s Forum 19 th September Brussels The importance of cities ‘Investing in Heritage’ as a catalyst for regeneration Brian Smith - Secretary General European Association Historic Towns & Regions

Introduction  EAHTR formed in Strasbourg By Council of Europe in October 1999  Rrepresents approx 1000 historic towns and cities in 28 European countries  Aims & Objectives  International co-operation in urban conservation and cultural heritage  Promote vitality viability, and sustainability of historic towns  Share experience and good practice

 International cooperation  ‘Heritage World’–see our web site  EXPO 2010 – Speech in Suzhou ‘Cultural Belonging and the development of the historic city’  Promoting sustainable management and sharing good practice  Conferences – Dubrovnik 3-5 th October  Produce guidelines e.g. sustainable cultural tourism  Arrange experience exchanges  Lead and participate in partnership projects funded by EU  INHERIT – Investing in Heritage A guide to successful urban regeneration

Importance of Historic Cities  80% EU’s population and economic activity  Existed for centuries  Range of inter-related functions  Drivers of economic development  Centres of knowledge & innovation  Focal points of creativity and culture  Places of social inclusion and integration

Importance of Historic Cities  Europe’s international Identity, economic vitality & social cohesion  National capitals, regional centres or cultural hubs  All, in part, derive from the urban quality of their historic urban landscapes  Yet the historic city is often overlooked  Strategic importance  Current vulnerability

Challenges facing historic cities  Globalization  Technological change  Religious and ethnic intolerance  Loss of historic fabric and identity  Model for sustainable regeneration  Need to make the case for investing in heritage

Investing in Heritage  Investing in Heritage –A Guide to Successful Urban Regeneration’  6 cities  Newcastle, Belfast, Verona Gothenburg, Gdansk, Ubeda  19 case studies  Lessons & Success factors  4 Recommendations for Local Authorities

Grainger Town – Newcastle, UK

Grainger Town  Civic Vision – Public/Private Partnership  7 Inter-related Regeneration Themes : -  Quality of the Environment - Public Realm  Business Development and Enterprise  Housing  Access to Opportunity – Job Creation  Arts, Culture and Tourism  Management, Marketing and Promotion  Identified Goals and Outcomes  Independent Evaluation

Public / Private Partnership - The benefits TargetActual Jobs created1,9002,300 Training weeks5,4005,100 New businesses New floor-space74K sq.m.81K sq.m. New dwellings Buildings re-used70120 Public investment€59.5m€67m Private investment€199m€288m

1Focus on Identity and Diversity…..  Understand the social value of ‘identity’ to local people and its appeal to visitors  Develop cultural approaches that relate to people as well as buildings and include recent events as focus for cultural tourism – Belfast, Gdansk 2. Think and Act Strategically…..  Integrate heritage into corporate strategy – adopt integrated management approaches  See also HerO project

3. Invest in Regeneration – especially the Public Realm….  Use public sector investment as catalyst for wider regeneration  Open Spaces, paved streets and squares – brings ‘confidence to residents, businesses and visitors 4. Work in Partnership….  Involve the community and key stakeholders in decision making – Newcastle on Tyne  Understand the value of community engagement in building people’s sense of ‘ownership’ and ‘pride of place’

Research on Social Impact

Conclusions  Focus on the role of the Local Authority as facilitator as well as provider – political leadership crucial  Work in partnership – engage local communities  Value Heritage and understand its potential as a catalyst for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth  Historic cities can deliver competitive advantage in an increasingly globalised world –  Help ensure our cities are attractive places to live, work and invest in - able to respond to the challenges of the 21 st century and beyond.  ‘A city without a past is like a person without a memory’

Conclusions  Investing in heritage is a major challenge facing today ’ s decision makers – it is also a duty we owe to future generations