Leading the way with regeneration, devolution and partnership working – the Great North Theatre 26
The far-reaching role of housing-led regeneration, and the Renew inquiry, and partnership working have been big talking points at the Great Northern Theatre 26.
The importance of housing-led regeneration shone through in the morning. The day opened with a speech from Lord Best who set out how the continued focus on new homes was crowding out regeneration, despite a clear need. However, he was optimistic that the tide was turning, and the Renew inquiry, which he chairs, is a big part of this.
Next up was Patrick Murray, NHC Executive Director (Policy and External Relations) who shared the latest findings from Renew inquiry report ‘Unlocking over 500,000 good quality homes in the North’. He highlighted how housing-led regen is critical to driving growth, and invaluable in making sure smaller towns and places are not left behind. He talked about devolution and how we are already seeing benefits of a more place-based approach. However, he said there is a structural viability gap in the North and this can only be overcome with the right government support.
The next session, chaired by Inside Housing Editor Martin Hillditch, featured a range of perspectives on why regeneration at scale is important. Rachel Dennis Chief Executive, Incommunities said it was vital to address the full picture. In Bradford, where Incommunities is based, estate regeneration needs greater support to avoid ‘a doughnut of deprivation’ around the city centre. John Johnson Chief Executive, Bernicia Group talked about devolution being a potential gamechanger, but that central government needed to fully trust devolved authorities. Lara Joyce Secretary of the Gleadless Valley Resident Association shared how regeneration gives residents hope but that promises must be kept to avoid breaking residents’ trust. Finally, Phil Mayall Managing Director of Muse talked about why homes are an essential part of creating places people can thrive. However, he said viability challenges and the skills gap were holding things back.
The final session of the morning, chaired by Claire Warren, Chief Executive, Pickering and Ferens Homes covered community-led renewal. The panellists Cedric Boston, Group Chief Executive, Unity Homes and Enterprise, Louise Davies, Executive Director of Communities and Regeneration, Cobalt Housing, Darren Sterling, Assistant Director Strategy and Community Regeneration, Newcastle City Council and Kemoy Walker, youth ambassador at MSV Housing, were all clear that to really understand what residents want housing providers need to embed themselves in communities. Housing colleagues should go to where the residents are, for example youth clubs or community events.
In the afternoon the focus shifted onto devolution and partnership working. To avoid a post-lunch slump proceedings started with an illuminating conversion between Inside Housing Martin Hilditch and designer Wayne Hemmingway, who famously spoke out against the ‘Wimpyfication of Britain’. The chat covered housing design, the effects of high land values and the role of culture in driving regeneration.
Up next was a panel session about ‘Integrated settlements: Building connected systems for long-term growth’, chaired by Tracy Harrsion, with Ruth Davison Interim Director of Environment and Place, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Ed Ferrari, Research Director, Mosidi, and Tom Hinchcliffe Director of Housing First, Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The panel agreed that we’ve come a long way with devolution, and that integrated settlements are helping deliver a more joined up approach to places. Importantly the discussion focused on the democratic mandate of Mayors and how more accountability should flow to local communities rather than central Government.
This was followed by a panel session on effective partnerships chaired by NHC Deputy Chief Executive James Ealey. Marc Edwards, Executive Director of Property at Gentoo, spoke about the North East Housing Partnership’s collaborative planned investment partnership which is helping North East housing providers save millions on the installation of new kitchens and create local employment opportunities. Shazia Bashir, Partner, Winckworth Sherwood, shared insights on partnerships from a legal perspective. Robin Tuddenham, Chief Executive, Calderdale Council, spoke about the need for local authorities to step forward and take a leading role in partnerships, and to get the balance right between structure and collaboration. Sasha Deepwell, Chief Executive, Irwell Valley Homes shared her experience of being part of Greater Manchester Housing Providers, the longest established housing partnership, and the huge impact it is having.
The afternoon was rounded off with a positive discussion, chaired by Tracy Harrison, about the northern offer and what we’ll deliver together. Nick Atkin, Yorkshire Housing Chief Executive, stressed that the social housing sector has a once a generation opportunity to make a difference and that we’re ready to step up. Tom Bridges Executive Regional Director (North East, Yorkshire & Humber), Homes England spoke about Homes England’s increased focus on placemaking and the opportunities available through the Social and Affordable Homes Programme and the National Housing Bank. Alison Dean Chief Executive Officer, Great Places felt optimistic, sharing examples of work happening in Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire, including bringing disused brownfield land back into use and renewing estates to make sure everyone has access to a good home.
The Great North Theatre showcased some of the fantastic work going on in the North. The message was clear – even more can be done with further support for housing-led regeneration and continued devolution.
