Salford shares regeneration experience with European partners

Salford has forged new links with a number of  European cities during a three year project to investigate new approaches to the redevelopment of  urban areas.

The Net-TOPIC  project was  set up by  Urbact, a European exchange and learning programme that  promotes  sustainable urban development.

The project brought Salford together with cities from Spain, the Czech Republic, Romania, Italy, Greece and France that are  facing  many similar challenges. These cities are all located within a metropolitan area and are undergoing  transformation after experiencing  industrial decline and other related issues . 

Through the Net-TOPIC project, these cities were able to share  knowledge, experiences and best practice.  A final conference marked the culmination of the project, with a publication  produced entitled  Learnings, conclusions and guidelines for carrying out urban planning processes in peripheral cities of metropolitan areas. This brings together all the work undertaken during the course of the three year project. 

Each participating city also developed their own individual local action plan,  with Salford focusing on  the regeneration benefits of MediaCityUK and opportunities for surrounding neighbourhoods. 

Councillor Derek Antrobus, Lead Member for Planning at Salford City Council, said: “ The regeneration of Salford continues to be recognised on a European stage. This has been a very worthwhile initiative as we have been able to share our experiences with experts and practitioners in urban issues from all over Europe. We have been inspired by the way others have tackled issues similar to ours - but also pleased that our regeneration projects are as inspiring."