STRATEGIES FOR URBAN RENEWAL

In the previous unit we examine the reasons for urban renewal and the need for it. In this unit we shall be considering strategies of urban renewal. There are different strategies appropriate for urban renewal. The adoption depends on socio-economic characteristics of the affected slums.

 OBJECTIVES

The objective of this unit is:

• Examine the different strategies of urban renewal. 

Strategies of Urban Renewal

The strategies of urban renewal can be considered along the following points.

1. Comprehensive Urban Redevelopment Strategy: this has to do with total demolition of slum area. In carrying out this programme, local authority or the government agency such as Urban Renewal Board is expected to develop an assessment of overall needs and reserves for housing in the affected area. Consequently, the area may have decayed seriously beyond rehabilitation. 
2. Rehabilitation: it is the upgrading of the sub-standard structures to certain prescribed standards, through minimum structural attention to the structures involved. This concept is similar to the concept of refurbishing. Some aspects of rehabilitation are window and door repairs, replacement of broken louvers, kitchen and toilets repairs. In addition, it includes drainage and roads repairs, streetlights and other public facilities provision and upgrading.
3. Spot clearance: Based on housing survey of the affected slum area, it may be possible that the area will not need complete demolition. A clearance of a few selected structures in the identified area can be done. Spot clearance could be embarked upon, to allow access into a neighbourhood area. In essence, it is a continuous process of monitoring, rebuilding and renovation of blighted area to sustain and reinforce the vitality of affected neighbourhood in ways responsible for social and physical needs. Only those beyond renovation would be demolished and new ones would be built in small pocket area over an extended period. 
4. Conservation: this system of urban renewal is a process in which both rehabilitation and spot clearance are combined in an attempt to upgrade a neighbourhood area. It is usually applied to the area of structures of architectural or historical importance, such as recreation and tourist centres. 
5. Code enforcement: it is a complementary urban renewal action to other strategies above. The community concerned may be implored to adhere strictly to certain urban maintenance standards and to condition that can guarantee a healthy living condition with the overall goal of urban sustainable development. Town planning agency will be expected to apply planning codes through adequate development control activities as a measure for sustainable urban development. Town planning agency will be expected to apply planning codes, through adequate development control activities, as a measure for sustainable urban renewal. 

SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE 1

• Highlight the strategies of urban renewal. 

CONCLUSION

You should be familiar with the five strategies of urban renewal considered above and as mentioned earlier the adopted strategies should be based on the socio-economic characteristics of the affected slums.

SUMMARY

Five strategies were examined in this unit which could be applied as appropriate for urban renewal so that the slum areas can be made livable for the society.

TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENT

• Explain the strategies that can be adopted in urban renewal of a chosen slum in your town/city.