Eco-town developers will need to hit the ground running
BURA is to assist the 15 eco-town finalists to hit the ground running.
BURA will create a forum to support the eco-towns, principally to share ideas amongst themselves.
They will also be able to tap into the experience and expertise of the BURA board and membership, to make sure regeneration is stitched firmly into their eco-town strategies.
Jackie Sadek, BURA chairman, said: “There’s one hell of a job ahead for these towns. Untangling the considerations for a large regeneration scheme is a fine art, yet to be perfected.
"For a whole town, there’s really very little best practice to draw on. Creative thinking is what’s needed, especially if social sustainability isn’t going to be lost in pursuit of the green holy grail.”
BURA insists that the eco-towns should be recognised as major regeneration projects rather than large, environmentally friendly housing schemes.
Sadek continued: “Chasing huge housing targets can shift focus from some core regeneration objectives. It is towns, not just eco-towns, that we are talking about creating. This means that enterprise, recreation and community services must not be forgotten.
"These considerations are just good development. It becomes regeneration when the massive impact on the existing physical, economic and social environment is managed effectively. That is exactly why BURA is providing a support structure for the eco-towns.”
BURA believes that the challenge does not stop at designing, planning and delivering these towns. A major obstacle will be creating a sense of place and identity, argued the association.
