At the beginning of the 21st century, the shrinking cities phenomenon is widespread in many parts of the world. Towns and cities are experiencing massive change – for example, manufacturing towns have lost their economic base and are struggling to find new reasons to attract and retain young people.

To deal with the results of demographic, economic and physical contraction and to plan for a future with smaller but livable and sustainable cities is one of the most challenging tasks for urban planners.

CAR has being working on projects that attempt to manage and direct this urban change. The research builds on work funded by CABE, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, and by the European Commission.

One aspect of our research focuses on new solutions for dealing with demographic change and the design and restructuring of shrinking. Significant benefits at a regional and national level are envisaged, resulting in a common approach and exemplary regeneration.

Another aspect of our work focuses ways of bringing together the various stakeholders to explore alternative regeneration strategies and agree a plan.

Projects/Publications

• Urban Futures A comparative study of growth and decline: neighbourhood renewal in Burnley and Luton for Building Futures. Client: RIBA/CABE, 2005. [Download (PDF, 2.1Mb) »]
• Urban Futures Game A scenario-based game for visualising neighbourhood change, 2005. Client: RIBA/CABE, 2005. [Read more »] [Download (PDF, 532Kb) »]
• EU COST Action on Shrinking Cities aims to explore causes and potential solutions for urban shrinkage in Europe. []

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