Evaluating the need for regeneration

Ways To Evaluate The Need For Regeneration

Quantitative	Qualitative
● Census data ● IMD ● Labour force surveys	● Photographs ● Postcards and paintings ● Written documents ● Marketing literature ● TV programmes ● Songs ● Interviews & questionnaires ● Social media

Use of Statistical Evidence

Collecting statistical evidence on community strength, deprivation scores and the lived experience and attachment of individuals living in the area, allows the need for regeneration to be determined. Such evidence can be gleaned from the Census or found via local councils and the ONS website. Statistical tests such as Spearman's rank correlation and scattergraphs can be utilised when analysing data.

•      Statistical Significance*
  

Media Analysis

🔗 Discovers how the local area is presented. Provides contrasting evidence which may question the need for regeneration. Bias in media reporting must be borne in mind.

• Media Analysis*

Representation

🔗 Different representations of a place can influence perceived needs for regeneration. Qualitative viewpoints obtained via surveys are valuable and just as valid in representing a place as quantitative statistical evidence

• Economic and social variations between places in a region provide priorities for regeneration planning: Inequalities are captured in economic, social and environmental profiles - which can then be used to compile evaluation
• Sink estates are therefore prioritised over gated communities and declining rural settlements are prioritised over commuter
  • Low IMD scores, gaps in educational achievement and lack of employment opportunities are just some of the specific priorities for regeneration in declining

In order to evaluate the needs for regeneration, decision-makers, planners, architects and geographers must comprehend the perspective of people who live in the area; how others influence their lives and the power relationships this creates.