Urban Design and the English Urban Renaissance 1999–2009: A Review and Preliminary Evaluation

Abstract

This paper reviews the urban design dimension of the English urban renaissance over the decade from 1999 to 2009. It focuses on the recommendations of the Urban Task Force report and their adoption by the New Labour government, tracing their implementation in planning, housing and regeneration practice. The analysis concentrates on four key areas: the pursuit of design excellence, housing supply and quality, public realm and environmental quality, and local governance. Drawing on an extensive body of academic, professional and governmental literature, as well as comparative evidence from major British cities, the paper evaluates the successes and failures of renaissance policy and discusses the challenges of inclusiveness and sustainability that remain.