New Centre For Cities Report

Towns which were doing well in 1901 are still on top now says a new report by the influential Centre for Cities think tank. Cities Outlook 1901 takes data from the 1901 Census to trace the economic fortunes of cities in the UK over the course of the 20th century.  By providing fresh insight into successful urban economies at the beginning of the 20th century, the report helps us to understand what policy makers can do to improve the prospects of cities for the future. In particular, Cities Outlook 1901 finds that skills are the most important factor determining long-term urban success, and therefore should be a key area for policy intervention. Seven out of eight of the best performing cities today had above average skills levels in 1901, while 80 percent of cities with vulnerable economies in 2012 fall into the bottom 20 cities for skills levels in 1901.

Belfast Sound Map

For all of us working on place and people's perceptions  mapping, this is a great and creative piece of work. I love it!

Cities Outlook 2012

The Centre for Cities have just published their annual health check on UK cities – Cities Outlook shows that the gap between places has widened since the recession, with cities like Cambridge, London and Edinburgh continuing to do well, while cities with struggling economies are falling further behind.

Queen of Shops Saves Britain's High Street

Celebrity retail expert Mary Portas has published her report into the UK's retail sector, telling the Government how to rejuvenate city centres and advocating 'town teams'. In the report there are 28 recommendations on what can be done by government, local authorities and business to help high streets revive. Of course, cultural planners, urban design and niche retail specialists have been arguing for special measures to be taken to revitalize town centres for ages... but that was yesterday and we are not celebrities...

Cultural Regeneration 2.0 Innovative approaches to regeneration

Interesting debate to follow if you are a member of the Academy of Urbanism Group on Linkedin.

Riots in North London

Public spending cuts and urban riots. Self explanatory.

Norway

Our heart goes out to our friends and colleagues in Norway during these difficult times. Your openness and democratic values are an inspiration to us all.