Regeneration Leaders Network Green Infrastructure: The role of green spaces in place-making.

On the 24 of July, the Regeneration Leaders Network held an event in Birmingham to discuss the topic of Green Infrastructure. Four presenters were invited to the Lockside Meeting Rooms, a former glass factory restored and owned by Groundwork UK. Presenters discussed their expertise and experience regarding green infrastructure from a variety of viewpoints, making for a rich conversation. The first presenter was Sir Tony Hawkhead, CEO of Groundwork UK. Sir Tony discussed green infrastructure both from his perspective of working in sustainable urban planning, and from Groundworks philosophy for conducting business. He talked about his past experiences including his work to extend the East London Line, bringing local jobs to Canary Warf. In 1981, he envisioned Stratford as a world class venue which later became the host for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Groundworks driving principles are to help communities take ownership of their public spaces and help people reach their potential by creating better and greener spaces. The organisation has made a difference on 1,000 green spaces which has positively affected over 1 million people. Unfortunately, lack of funding is becoming an increasingly present problem. Sir Tony explained that there is not one public department that takes ownership of public spaces. Why then should Groundwork continue to specialise on green spaces? Because the situation is improving. Ten to fifteen years ago, the levels of interest towards green spaces were not as high as they are today. It is best to understand that this is a time of austerity but that there are simple solutions to continue moving forward. Green infrastructure should remain present and noticed in the public eye, as communities alike care for open spaces. This can be done by including green spaces as part of the delivery of other agendas such as Health and Climate Change Adaptation.

The UK spends 2 billion on obesity lowering. Some of that can be allocated to expanding the activities offered in open spaces.
There is cause for optimism, Sir Tony concluded, as the repair of open spaces brings economic investment, which is now starting to be recognised. Steps taken for green infrastructure do not need to be complex or expensive. Progress can be made even in austere times. Next to present was Darren Share and Emma Wolf who jointly discussed the work being done by Birmingham Council and the ways in which the community has become involved. Darren explained that Birmingham has the largest amount of green space in the country, making it an important and influential area to those in the community. In 2009 Birmingham council had produced a parks strategy that was not being used efficiently. Because of this misuse and a budgetary cut of 1.1 million, the council was encouraged to come up with a new plan to meet its goals. A new city scheme was adapted; the Adapted City Scheme. Each officer would now be responsible for liaising with friends groups in order to bring ownership back into the community. The council started working to foment partnerships between departments. This new scheme provided support for the council to work with urban planners to include more green roofs, walls, and street trees throughout Birmingham. Green initiatives were also incorporated into

the canals and bodies of water around the city, new recreational activities were implemented, and cyclable paths, wildlife corridors and walkable areas were created. These strands of work, combined with the insertion of a cycle hire scheme, will increase the cities biodiversity and the value of parks in Birmingham. The parks currently contribute 12 million to the local economy.

Parks in Birmingham contribute 12 million to the l ocal economy and cost the council 14 million to maintain. The 2 million gap is one that can be easily filled.
Next, Emma Wolf, vice-president of the Birmingham Open Spaces Forum (BOSF), spoke about the community perspective of working with Birmingham Council. She stated that the value of volunteer time per month would equate to 10,000 minimum regarding physical activity in parks. Emma also mentioned that the BOSF, as a representative of the community, is actively involved in the production of any documentation and plans with the council.

BOSF aims to bring volunteer community groups that work in isolation together under a collective voice.
The BOSF works to gather interest groups or friends groups that are working in isolation in order to create a collective voice. The BOSF views open spaces as radiators for positive improvement and has been working with the council on this goal. They aim to show how open spaces can allow other agendas to be delivered, such as health and education. Lastly, Peter Neal provided us with an overview of green spaces in urban planning and what they are designed for. Peter asked attendees to look back culturally and historically at parks and how they have been part of place making as long as they have been around. Particularly in urban areas, parks are central to living and enjoying an urban lifestyle.

Parks (and open spaces in general) are key cultural and historical elements of the urban space.
Peter explained the four strands from which the American Planning Association (APA) had encouraged parks. APA argues that parks should be an interconnected network in which to preserve and protect biodiversity, they shape the urban form and even reduce public cost. In this regard, green spaces can be a positive addition to any planning work. Peter showed an example of how these four principles could be applied to other projects, such as the case of rail networks in the UK. He was commissioned to turn land surrounding train tracks from a liability to an asset. His proposal included increasing biodiversity, land use, and community partnerships while helping the rail network offset its CO2 emissions. Peter also talked about his experience working in London, both with the All London Green Grid (a functioning system of parks within the already existing range of systems) as well as with the Olympic Park. He explained that the landscaping of the Olympic Park includes flood relief devices, biodiversity enrichment and works as a model for garden cities in the future.

The Regeneration Leaders Network would like to thank all of the presenters. A full view of Green Infrastructure was provided, which greatly contributed to a successful event. Particular thanks to Groundwork UK for the space and to all of those who attended the event.