What?

• A multi agency regeneration programme in the Whitefield area of Nelson, Lancashire, leading to the transformation of former textile workers’ terraced housing originally earmarked for clearance and redevelopment
• The regeneration, already underway, is conservation-led, but incorporates innovative and sustainable design elements to bring some 200 boarded up terraced houses up to modern standards. The plans also incorporate contemporary new housing development and high quality public realm
• Other components of the regeneration include: the conversion of the 1841 Lomeshaye Bridge cotton spinning mill into a conservation and craft skills centre; the creation of a new pocket park; the conversion of a former water-board office into a business enterprise centre and other historic buildings being brought back into use to provide a mixed and vibrant neighbourhood

When?

• The preferred designer for Phase 1 of the redevelopment of the area was selected in June 2006. Outline planning permission was granted in summer 2007. Several adjacent owner occupied terraces in Whitefield have already undergone group repair including the restoration of historic features

How?

• The council worked with the Princes Foundation to run an Enquiry by Design process that led to a new master plan for the area
• Pendle Borough Council set up a multi agency board chaired by Lord David Shutt to guide the regeneration programme
• CABE and English Heritage attended and advised board meetings. Both agencies, along with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), helped Pendle council find a way to transform the area of empty homes by running an international developer competition for Phase 1 of the programme 
  
• The winning submission was by R-Gen Developments with Maccreanor Lavington Architects. Outline planning approval has now been granted and the partners are awaiting the outcome of a financial appraisal by English Partnerships and Elevate (the housing pathfinder)
• Consultation with local residents and businesses has pinpointed what is needed from the housing designs. As a result, some traditional back alleys will be replaced with communal rear gardens to provide green space for the residents and underground communal rubbish points will allow for easier collection and recycling
• Key funders include English Partnerships; Elevate; the Heritage Lottery Fund; Pendle Council; English Heritage and NWDA

Summary

• The Whitefield project demonstrates the benefit of an effective multi agency partnership, working together to regenerate deprived neighbourhoods and to engage mixed communities in design and conservation issues
• The whole Whitefield area is now a conservation area. The r-gen scheme is said to be the best Housing Market renewal project design reviewed by CABE