Housing Associations Drivers of Wider physical and social regeneration Helen Forsyth Regeneration Director

Creating Neighbourhoods of choice

Where do RSLs have a role Areas we are based Areas on the ‘cusp of decline’ Placemaking Redeveloping old industrial sites

Why do RSLs do this well They are in it for the long term If RSLs want to be sustainable then the communities need to be sustainable They cant walk away from their own decisions/mistakes: They have to be sorted!

Where are we now – PFP Neighbourhoods Taking the lead with local partners East Craigs tackling the cusp of decline Newtongrange refreshing former mining village West Pilton contributing to council and statutory led initiatives

We work with all local players East Craigs Community Health Residents groups Community learning and development Local people Local tenants association Local church Parks /Leisure Community Safety politicians Sheltered housing Both schools All the local landlords police

Key Priorities for Local Group Tackling anti social behaviour of small group of young people Providing wide range of provision for young people indoors and out doors in the area Ensuring the empty shops are put to good use

Background 7,000 properties – 80 % social Population decline – 15 % in 10 years Lack of choice in housing Limited job opportunities Shortage of essential services Poor transport links

Master Planning and Delivery One Partner for both parts Competed with private developers Local community originally opposed Residents on panel We were interested in the people who would live there, not just the buildings In it for the long term

The process Created evidence for change Offer substantial community involvement Did not duplicate council role Took risks Created formal partnership with council and local people and other stakeholders

No Public meetings Exhibitions Events Home visits Mothers and toddlers Other hard to reach groups Questionnaires and face to face surveys Focus groups, away days, weekends, informal walks You name it we probably did it.

Principles and Promises We issued a “promise” about how we would deal with people We are developing a “promise” for working with business We developed principles of place making and worked with local people in workshops to do it

Knowing the community £475 million over 15 years

Transforming the Thistle Foundation 100 homes refurbished New homes for sale built Area given kerb appeal. No grant given

Where are we now Castle Rock Edinvar Tron Square – mixed tenure, mixed use SPACE – social enterprise and arts centre

Ready to work in Scotland with local partners on large place making Presently RSLs still seen as only providers of affordable rented houses and ‘a bit added on’ We are much more than this! We can drive community regeneration