Brownfield Management: The British Urban Regeneration Association

Source: Construction Digital

Date :20/06/2007 16:45:19

Formed in 1990 to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, experience and information for the emerging regeneration sector

BURA has now become the leading independent organisation in the field of regeneration claims Jon Ladd.

The British Urban Regeneration Association was established to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, experience and information for the emerging regeneration sector across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. As the trade association for regeneration BURA has 500 member organisations. One of the organisation’s unique strengths is the fact that these are drawn evenly from throughout the private, public, voluntary, community and academic sectors.

BURA identifies best practice in regeneration and explores the social, economic and environmental issues involved for all partners. Examples of these are then disseminated in order to expedite the delivery of real and positive change on a local, national and global basis. In addition BURA maintains an active, ongoing relationship with its best practice award winners in order to ensure that they can build further upon their successes

Through its research and policy directorate, including the SDF Think Tank, BURA plays an active role in shaping and influencing regeneration policy. This is delivered proactively by undertaking a range of independent assignments which seek to identify ways to develop the regeneration agenda, and reactively by responding to key national and regional consultation exercises. In addition, the directorate is increasing commissioned by other organisations within the sector to undertake specific projects on their behalf.

Over the past four years BURA has developed a regeneration training programme which seeks to provide participants with a core set of skills, understanding and knowledge. This programme aims to give practitioners a rounded understanding of the diverse nexus of issues involved in delivering long term change. From running ten modules in its first year the programme has now delivered over 1,000 training days. Furthermore, the organisation has also been contracted by a number of public sector bodies to develop their own in-house training. The importance of workforce development to BURA has been emphasised by the development of the Regenerator Workforce Campaign a major initiative that seeks to highlight career opportunities and development. This campaign has also resulted in the creation of the BURA Talent Pool, a dynamic and evolving group of committed and enthusiastic individuals who wish to become more involved in regeneration.

BURA and its members share a common vision in terms of creating inclusive, safe and vibrant communities where there is economic, social and environmental strength. BURA recognises that issues as diverse as housing, infrastructure, service provision, community empowerment, design and the public realm cannot be considered in isolation. We therefore aim to achieve a true urban and rural renaissance through an entirely joined up agenda.

Jon Ladd is Chief Executive of BURA. Jon has worked for the Commission for the New Towns (and following their merger, English Partnerships), where he managed and controlled the organisation’s £6million marketing budget.