BCSC - General - UK

Date: 01 Feb 2008

In a new report retail property organisation BCSC highlights the importance of mixed use schemes in driving regeneration in urban environments.

The Challenge of Mixed Use outlines how mixed use developments have grown from strength to strength. Once thought of as risky financial prospects and tied by planning regulations, they now offer successful and sustainable options for investors, developers and communities.

Making city centres more attractive as urban spaces, keeping them vibrant for longer periods of the day and making public transport more viable are some of the widely recognised benefits of mixed use schemes.

The wider benefits to be gained from using mixed use as a catalyst for urban regeneration are now becoming evident because of the flexibility of these schemes, which can be easily tailored to the needs of a specific location. This can deliver longer term, sustainable outcomes in social, environmental and economic terms beyond the mere fabric of a given development.

Case studies highlighted in the report point to the way in which the composition of mixed use developments can help bring about significant change in a locality - particularly in inner-city areas. The report points to Princesshay in Exeter and the Brunswick Centre in central London as positive examples.

BCSC Chief Executive Michael Green comments:
"This report highlights the important role mixed use developments can play in urban regeneration. Benefits come from the creation of a unique offer in terms of retail, leisure and entertainment and public space enhanced by a positive social contribution thanks to the provision of affordable housing and employment opportunities. All these factors combine to make a mixed use scheme a truly sustainable option."

The report's author, Ben Kochan adds:
"Mixed use schemes can act as an effective vehicle delivering a more socially responsible development, creating a community with a shared focus and interests. At the same time, the variety of services and amenities on offer serves the diverse needs of different groups within a community. Mixed use schemes offer a more sustainable option for developments and both investors and developers are reorganising their own approach to ensure they are now geared up to maximise these benefits."

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