Placemaking

Key Terms

Placemaking - Placemaking is a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design and management of public space

Player/stakeholder - individual or organisation with an interest or influence in actions, decisions or operations. Also known as a stakeholder.

Rebranding - developments aimed at changing negative perceptions of a place, making it more attractive to investment.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) - inward investment by a foreign company (usually a large TNC) in a country.

Gentrification - the process by which former low-income inner city housing areas in ACs are renovated and improved making them more desirable for higher-income groups.

Players involved in Placemaking

Government

National & Local Governments play a significant role in placemaking.

Using large infrastructure projects (such as HS2) to make areas more attractive to inward investment.

Priorities = attracting FDI, improving environmental quality, reducing crimes, social cohesion

Why do governments attract FDI?

To advance the economic development of the place
To create new jobs
To create competitive, dynamic and globally connected places
For access to new technology, products, skills and financing
To become more actively involved in international business activities

How do governments attract FDI?

Reinventing a place – changing its use
Planning -
Land-use zoning
Creating infrastructure e.g. transport
Specific policies e.g. tax incentives

GeoActive Dubai.pdf

Dubai - Government Placemaking

Dubai's rapid growth over the last 40 years is thanks to government policy designed to ensure Dubai is able to attract significant levels of FDI from around the world.

Recognising that the oil that made the city rich would run out, the rulers sought to encourage TNCs to open regional headquarters in the city. The creation of Free Trade Zones across the city have encouraged TNCs from around the world to invest in Dubai.

Specific benefits of opening an office in one of these zones include:

No income tax for workers
Minimal (or free) rent on office space
100% ownership of property by foreign companies.
No taxes in products imported in the the FTZ

Furthermore, Dubai is now considered one of the world's leading transport hubs. Its location roughly half way between Europe and South East Asia has encouraged airlines and passengers to transfer flights at Dubai International Airport. A consequence of this is many travellers break up their journey with a short break in Dubai, boosting the tourism industry.

Planners & Architects

Planners & Architects are responsible for delivering placemaking. Ensuring that the vision of a range of players is delivered either in the design of buildings and public spaces, or in how the space is used. Often places become synonymous with architecturally significant buildings such as the Sydney Opera House.

Priorities = Designing buildings and public spaces, increasing social cohesion, reflecting the history and culture of a place, attracting tourists

2. 24 Hour City Article.docx

2. The 24hr economy.pdf

24 London - Planners & Architects

London has not traditionally been considered a '24 hour city'. Unlike other large European cities, it 'went to bed' around 11pm, with many workers needing to catch trains back to homes outside of the city. Licensing laws also meant pubs stopped serving alcohol before midnight.

However, London's population is getting younger and more diverse. Residents from other parts of Europe are used to socialising late into the night and there is now greater demand for late night leisure activities particularly on weekends in London. With the last tube normally operating some time after 12am, even getting around London at night proved to be a challenge.

The city's planners have responded with a range of strategies to embrace the 24 hour economy:

Relaxed licensing laws, allowing venues to stay open later.
Increased the number of night bus routes across the city.
Introduced the 'Night Tube' services running throughout the night on 5 tube lines.

Community Groups

Community groups have significant influence in placemaking at varying scales; from not for profit groups like the National Trust with their role in preserving historic landscapes and buildings, through to local interest and pressure groups.

Priorities = improving environmental quality, reflecting the history & culture of the place, reducing speed of traffics, promoting use of community centres/spaces

West Berkshire Examples - Local community groups

At a local scale, community groups can play a significant role in placemaking.

Examples such as residents associations seek to address local issues such as traffic speeds, parking issues and access to local services.

3. GeoFactSheet Community Groups.pdf

Overview of Placemaking

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