Speke Garston, Liverpool, United Kingdom
History and Setting
 Speke Garston the Liverpool Region Source: Speke Garston Development Company, 2002. |
 |
In the
early 20th century Liverpool was a very important port and trading city; it
later became an industrial city
Speke and Garston: two run-down neighbourhoods; 7 miles south of
city centre;
Industrial, residential (23,000 inh.) and commercial uses
Impact of Change - Situation before Revitalisation
- Between 1978 and 1991: 37% of jobs disappeared in Liverpool despite numerous urban policy initiatives to reverse the decline
- In 1991: Speke Garston - unemployment rates around 23%, of those 48% long-term unemployed
- Many companies leave site
- Poor housing conditions, desperate community
- All attempts to regenerate area failed
- In 1993, Liverpool received Objective 1 status as one of the poorest areas in the EU (75% of average EU GDP
Management Approach
Three agencies primarily in charge of holistic regeneration:
- Speke Garston Development
Company (SGDC)
- Private with public board and public funding
- Engaged in marketing, improved image of area, upgraded area physically and attracted new companies such as Jaguar
- Speke Garston Partnership (SGP) Responsible for job development and community enhancement
- South Liverpool Housing (SLH) Upgrades housing stock and engages in community empowerment
(agencies, firms, associations/org., citizens)
Situation at present
 Speke Garston regeneration area Source: Speke Garston Development Company, 2002. |
Transformed
into a preferred business environment for SMEs and large national and international
firms
Companies
and facilities: successful shopping mall, a 4 star hotel, a large
Jaguar production plant, several large pharmaceutical companies and many other
firms
Well-trained
local workforce
Unemployment
was reduced significantly, the community spirit was enhanced and
the area’s appearance improved
Upgrades
of local housing and new residential construction
