WHAT IS MasterplanningNow
MasterplanningNow is a service that facilitates residents, businesses and institutions in an area to create a sustainable strategic plan for their place and becomes the instrument by which change over a long term can be managed; and implemented through a social enterprise vehicle that they own. The service is designed to be a practical way of delivering regeneration in the new context created by the government’s reform of the planning and regeneration.
It is based on the products of a cutting edge research programme being set up at a leading university to evaluate the masterplanning evidence of the last decade using a framework that re-defines its concept and practice to include contemporary influences and insights. It aims to set out the next generation of good practice for masterplanning.
WHY IS IT NEEDED
The coincidence of the government’s reforms with the current position in the economic cycle has created an impasse in regeneration activity. MasterplanningNow can begin to unlock this.
The government has set out a vision for Big Society and Localism but there is a great need for practical ways of delivering it. MasterplanningNow has found a way forward.
HOW DOES IT ACHIEVE THIS
Nimble interface between regional and local
It can form a nimble interface between the aspirations of Local Enterprise Partnerships and the planning functions of local authorities, with the ability to generate effective action.
Local ownership and collaboration
It will deploy an innovative strategy for collaboration, which is based on local ownership of the masterplanning instrument and includes its funding.
Responsive and sustainable tool
It will provide a flexible, self-adjusting framework that can travel forward as an effective organising tool for the ongoing development of an area over a long term period.
Modular approach
The service can be tailored to the funding available without loss of value by using a modular approach.
Principles of localism
The service follows the ethos of the localism agenda as well a being in tune with the emerging details, such as the Localism Bill.
SUPPORT
The purpose of this prospectus is to invite any or all of the following four methods of support for the project. Support can be given in two stages: (a) support in principle – while the project is in gestation and which is subject to satisfactory resolution of the detail; and (b) full support – when it is felt that the detail satisfactorily meets the principles.
1. Endorsement
Endorsement is sought from influential participants in, and commentators on, the field who can see the value of the project.
2. Advice
A core ethic of the project is open collaboration as far as this is possible. The objective is to facilitate the best possible outcome and this can rarely be achieved acting individually. Advice on how to improve the offer is therefore welcome.
3. Partnering
This represents a more sustained and formalised version of the previous item for optimising the outcome. Partners would be credited.
4. Funding
Funding is sought to pay the researchers and meet the other expenses of the project. A business plan will be drawn up as soon as a few of the current variables have been settled.
MORE INFORMATION
Prospectus
Click here MasterplanningNowProspectus to download a copy of the prospectus.
Click here to go to the research proposal post.
Papers
The following papers are available on request from Philip Kassanis:
White Paper – MasterplanningNow: an innovative urban strategy and action plan service for local communities.
Research Proposal – Masterplanning: learning the lessons of the last 10 years.
