SURF regularly hosts international delegations that are keen to learn about Scottish approaches to the physical, social and economic regeneration of deprived places. In recent years, SURF has welcomed regeneration practitioners in China, Denmark, Lithuania, and Sweden, among others, as part of various exchange programmes.
The first event in the series took place in March 2018 in Glasgow’s Pearce Institute
In 2018, SURF teamed up with the British Council in Poland to host a series of six study visits to the Govan regeneration area of Glasgow, by 175 leading regeneration representatives in Poland’s government, industry and NGOs.
A European Social Fund initiative, the Polish study visit series explored four themes:
- Entrepreneurship and Business Development
- Planning and Housing
- Revitalising Public Spaces
- Social Regeneration
The study visit formats featured presentations by SURF and guest speakers, facilitated open discussion, project visits and walking tours. This webpage features videos and presentation materials used in the study visit series; additional items will be added as the series progresses.
Presentation Materials
Susan Bolt, Regeneration and Towns Policy Manager, Scottish Government
The Scottish Government’s Social Justice and Regeneration Division is responsible for implementing national policy on community led regeneration, town centre regeneration, poverty reduction and capital investment. Susan Bolt provided an overview of the Division’s current policy priorities and funding programmes. Her presentation slides are available for download below:
Susan Bolt – Scottish Government – Study Visit Presentation
David Stewart, Policy Lead, SFHA
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) is the national representative body for housing associations and housing co-operatives in Scotland. Senior SFHA official David Stewart presented on the Scottish housing context and the SFHA mission to ensure the provision of sustainable, affordable homes throughout Scotland. His presentation slides are available below:
David Stewart – SFHA – Study Visit Presentation
Diarmaid Lawlor, Director of Place, A&DS
Architecture & Design Scotland (A&DS) is a national public body that promotes the value of good architecture and sustainable urban design to the lives of everyone in Scotland. Diarmaid Lawlor shared information on the agency’s regeneration focus areas, its toolkits and selected projects. His presentation slides are available below:
Diarmaid Lawlor – ADS – Study Visit Presentation
Phil Prentice, Chief Officer, Scotland’s Towns Partnership
Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) is the go-to body for Scotland’s towns, helping stakeholders learn, connect, find practical support and advice, and share good practice and knowledge. STP also supports the implementation of the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Action Plan. Presentation slides on STP’s role and remit are available below:
Phil Prentice – STP – Study Visit Presentation
Fiona MacTaggart, Chief Executive, Govan Housing Association
Govan Housing Association has historical significance as the first community-based Housing Association in Scotland and the pilot for the development and growth of Housing Associations across Scotland. Fiona MacTaggart provided an overview of Govan Housing Association’s structure and operations, and elaborated on its extensive contribution to physical, social and economic regeneration in Govan. Her presentation slides are available below:
Fiona MacTaggart – Govan HA – Study Visit Presentation
Elaine Cooper, Development and Learning, SURF
Elaine supplied detail on the history of the Govan community of Glasgow and some selected current regeneration activities in the area. Her slides, which were provided with kind permission of the Central Govan Action Plan, are available below:
Elaine Cooper – SURF – Study Visit Presentation
Emma Scott, Information, Communications and Events Officer, SURF
Emma informed delegates about SURF’s prestigious and long-running regeneration project awards process, highlighting some recent winning and shortlisted entries. Her presentation slides are available for download below:
Emma Scott – SURF – Study Visit Presentation
Derek Rankine, Policy Manager, SURF
Derek provided Polish delegates with information on SURF’s role and activities, and the context for regeneration policy in Scotland, including references to current and forthcoming strategies. His presentation slides are available for download below:
Derek Rankine – SURF – Study Visit Presentation
Featured Project Videos
The above short film highlights the diversity of projects featured in recent iterations of the SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration.
This film illustrates the restoration of Govan’s Fairfield Shipyard into a sustainable heritage centre and creative industries hub.
This video highlights the remarkable Galgael craft-based social regeneration initiative in Govan, Glasgow.
A short animated feature on the Govan Stones, a tourist attraction that promotes Govan’s medeival history.
This short film, produced by SURF, focuses on the award-winning The Portal arts hub in Govan, Glasgow.
Study Visit Programmes
Please click on the links below to download the relevant event programme:
Thursday 8 March 2018 Programme
Wednesday 21 March 2018 Programme
Thursday 12 April 2018 Programme
Further Information
For any queries about this study visit series, please contact Derek at SURF: derek@surf.scot or [+0044] [0]141 440 6393.
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