Regeneration vital for northern economy

Regeneration to improve the quality of homes and neighbourhoods in the north of England is vital to long-term economic growth, a new report has argued.

The study, commissioned by Northern Way, a coalition of regional development agencies, evaluated the range, quality, and cost of housing available across the north.

It argues that the region suffers from a poor range of housing, and that many areas need more attractive living environments to attract businesses and jobs.

It found:

* northern city regions need a greater diversity of housing types to improve their attractiveness to key workers in the knowledge economy
* There are huge disparities in housing cost, range and quality in northern city regions
* Many communities in the north could be transformed by relatively small strategic investments which aim to ensure that they contribute more to the economic potential of the north

Richard Baker, Northern Way policy and research manager, said: ‘The north has significant needs, both in terms of improving the quality of northern towns and cities and in enhancing its overall housing stock if it is to underpin economic growth and development.’

The report, prepared by Tribal Consulting, will be launched at a Northern Way seminar.