Housing Associations

Drivers of Wider physical and social regeneration

Helen Forsyth Helen Forsyth Regeneration DirectorRegeneration Director

Creating Neighbourhoods of choice

Where do RSLs have a role Areas we are based Areas on the ‘cusp of decline’ Placemaking Redeveloping old industrial sites

Why do RSLs do this well They are in it for the long term If RSLs want to be sustainable then

the communities need to be sustainable

They cant walk away from their own decisions/mistakes: They have to be sorted!

Where are we now – PFP Neighbourhoods

Taking the lead with local partners

East Craigs tackling the cusp of decline

Newtongrange refreshing former mining village

West Pilton contributing to council and statutory led initiatives

We work with all local players

Community Health

Residents groups

Community learning and development

Local people

Local tenants association

Local church

Parks /LeisureCommunity Safety

politicians

Sheltered housing

Both schools

All the local landlords

police

East Craigs

Key Priorities for Local Group Tackling anti social behaviour of

small group of young people Providing wide range of provision

for young people indoors and out doors in the area

Ensuring the empty shops are put to good use

Background 7,000 properties – 80 % social Population decline – 15 % in 10

years Lack of choice in housing Limited job opportunities Shortage of essential services Poor transport links

Master Planning and Delivery One Partner for both parts Competed with private developers Local community originally opposed Residents on panel We were interested in the people

who would live there, not just the buildings

In it for the long term

The process 2002 -2006 Created evidence

for change Offer substantial

community involvement

Did not duplicate council role

Took risks Created formal

partnership with council and local people and other stakeholders

No Public meetings Exhibitions Events Home visits Mothers and toddlers Other hard to reach groups Questionnaires and face to face surveys Focus groups, away days, weekends,

informal walks You name it we probably did it.

Principles and Promises We issued a “promise” about how

we would deal with people We are developing a “promise” for

working with business We developed principles of place

making and worked with local people in workshops to do it

Knowing the community£475 million over 15 years

Transforming the Thistle Foundation

100 homes refurbished

New homes for sale built

Area given kerb appeal.

No grant given

Where are we now Castle Rock Edinvar

Tron Square – mixed tenure, mixed use

SPACE – social enterprise and arts centre

Ready to work in Scotland with local partners on large place making

Presently RSLs still seen as only providers of affordable rented houses and ‘a bit added on’ We are much more than this!

We can drive community regeneration