Regeneration workshop (Launch report)

Netherthorpe and Upperthorpe Community Alliance - community group managing (the accountable body for) a large regeneration scheme. Emphasis on community participation eg after 2003 conference a booklet was produced responding to every comment made at the event.

Heeley City Farm - Government has this week announced that £850 million coming to Sheffield over next 10 years, but how much of this will reach local communities?

Pakistan Advice Centre, Fir Vale - Underfunded, only receiving £8,000 per year from Council, so feels like set up to fail. Has to constantly justify its existence, due to weak understanding of language and cultural barriers. Planners tell us they will knock down our community; we want improvements but no consultation is the issue.

Elephant and Castle Community Forum (South London) - working class community under threat from gentrification. Difficult to influence Master Plan, but gained resource for independent advisors and mechanism for community involvement.

BIG IDEA An independent community based regeneration network for Sheffield to:
 * share real information
 * overcome divisions between neighbourhoods
 * get to know strategic thinking at higher level

CONTROVERSY How do we feel about "gentrification"? Where is the balance between improving an area and not pricing out existing residents?