How can brownfield redevelopment policy support social inclusion and diversity in urban areas?

1 Involve stakeholders

One of the key principles of brownfield redevelopment policy is to involve stakeholders in the planning and implementation process. Stakeholders include local residents, businesses, community groups, public agencies, developers, and environmental organizations. By engaging stakeholders, brownfield redevelopment policy can ensure that the project reflects the needs, aspirations, and values of the diverse communities affected by it. It can also foster trust, collaboration, and empowerment among the stakeholders, and address potential conflicts and trade-offs. For example, in Toronto, Canada, the West Don Lands project involved extensive consultation and participation of stakeholders in creating a mixed-use neighborhood on a former industrial site.

3 Address affordability and equity

A third principle of brownfield redevelopment policy is to address affordability and equity in the allocation and distribution of the project's benefits and costs. Affordability and equity refer to the ability and opportunity of different groups to access and enjoy the project's outcomes, such as housing, services, amenities, and jobs. By addressing affordability and equity, brownfield redevelopment policy can prevent or mitigate the negative impacts of the project on the existing or potential users, such as displacement, gentrification, exclusion, or segregation. It can also ensure that the project contributes to the social and economic development of the urban area. For example, in Portland, Oregon, the South Waterfront project included affordable housing, public transportation, and green spaces in the redevelopment of a former industrial waterfront.

4 Protect and enhance heritage and culture

A fourth principle of brownfield redevelopment policy is to protect and enhance heritage and culture in the preservation and transformation of the project's site and context. Heritage and culture refer to the historical, architectural, artistic, and symbolic values and meanings of the site and its surroundings. By protecting and enhancing heritage and culture, brownfield redevelopment policy can respect and celebrate the identity, diversity, and memory of the urban area. It can also create a sense of place, character, and quality in the project. For example, in Berlin, Germany, the Tempelhof project converted a former airport into a public park and cultural center, while retaining its historical and architectural features.

5 Support innovation and sustainability

A fifth principle of brownfield redevelopment policy is to support innovation and sustainability in the application and integration of the project's technologies and practices. Innovation and sustainability refer to the use of novel, creative, and efficient solutions to address the environmental, social, and economic challenges and opportunities of the project. By supporting innovation and sustainability, brownfield redevelopment policy can improve the environmental performance, resilience, and adaptability of the urban area. It can also generate new knowledge, skills, and opportunities for the urban regeneration sector. For example, in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Nordhavn project used innovative and sustainable technologies and practices to create a low-carbon and high-quality urban district on a former harbor.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?