City Visions: Imagining Place, Enfranchising People (Contemporary Irish Studies) - Softcover

Covering a range of North American and European cities, but focusing on Belfast's social, economic and political developments, this collection considers the role of long-term urban planning in the development of cities.

The major cities of the West are characterised by division, uneven development and unequal distribution of jobs. In Belfast these general Western urban characteristics are extended and heightened by association with a long-standing political crisis and low-intensity conflict. Covering a range of North American and European cities, but focusing on Belfast's social, economic and political developments, this collection considers the role of long-term urban planning in the development of cities.

The authors integrate global debates on urban development and summarise contemporary theories on cities and their future. An assortment of interventions and delivery mechanisms are considered, and among the key topics covered are urban economies and social exclusion; the planning of city regions; the sustainable city; urban regeneration; the role of culture in remaking cities; and the future governance of cities. By viewing the subject from a local perspective, as well as in an international context, the authors provide a stimulating critique which will guide policy makers, planners, students and others concerned with urban regeneration.

Frank Gaffikin is Co-Director of the Urban Institute. He has been involved in community development and urban regeneration for a number of years and is the author of several books on the theme of urban regeneration. He is currently carrying out work on the Belfast City Region, Belfast Partnership and the Belfast European Partnership and is doing work with Belfast City Council on economic development.