The problem with regeneration is it can kill off the last vestiges of local culture leaving behind a bland multi-national anonymous solution. The new thinking is that regeneration can be led by a sports venue, like the new Arsenal Emirates stadium; or an art gallery, like Bilbao's; a street market like Camden; or a dance school like the Laban in Deptford. Better still, a regeneration scheme should contain a mix of as many different uses as possible.
What is important is that the development process recognises, and then carefully builds on, the energies and culture of an existing neighbourhood. Not just preserving the fabric of a place but enabling it to grow and develop - building social capital.
