Streets in the Sky, first report of the NSTBI

7. Making it happen – the process of development

7.1 A process of change
For there to be more sustainable Tower Blocks, then change will be needed at many levels, with clear and quantifiable changes in:
Performance
Improvements in service delivery are a common feature of TMOs and other new arrangements. Such improvements can help meet basic needs.
Projects
People need to see that change is possible and that it is happening. The high-profile activity at Apple Tree Court has become a ‘leading light’ partly because of the high visibility of the changes that have taken place. Projects are also important since they offer a way of bringing in funding above and beyond revenue for day-to-day management.

Process
Effective participation in decision-making relating to improvements, new projects and management is a key part of encouraging ownership of new programmes and structures. This should include participation in the process of diagnosing problems as well as the development of solutions.
Policy
In some areas and on some issues there needs to be clear policy change, to recognise the value of high-density settlements, of which tower blocks are perhaps the most obvious examples, and that policy change should seek to ensure that where appropriate, integrated and sustainable regeneration strategies can receive the funding they need to deliver good places to live.

7.2 Support From Outside
The process of improvement, development and change in any block will also need close attention Appendix 2 considers common factors from successful processes. Support is needed in some form at many points. This could come from the landlord, be it local authority or housing association; from other bodies involved in regeneration partnerships; or from NGOs. It could take the following forms:
• On-going community development and capacity-building work;
• Specific training programmes, notably for the development of TMOs or other new structures;
• Assistance to access resources;
• Provision of physical improvements – refurbishment, security measures etc.
A key issue is what is good practice for agencies in ensuring that regeneration or refurbishment programmes support, complement, and are sensitive to the community development process and the need for sustainability. Agencies themselves may need to go through a process of education and capacity-building in order to develop a culture and approach which supports community democracy.


	<< Previous \|\| Next >> 7. Making it happen – the process of development 7.1 A process of change For there to be more sustainable Tower Blocks, then change will be needed at many levels, with clear and quantifiable changes in: Performance Improvements in service delivery are a common feature of TMOs and other new arrangements. Such improvements can help meet basic needs. Projects People need to see that change is possible and that it is happening. The high-profile activity at Apple Tree Court has become a ‘leading light’ partly because of the high visibility of the changes that have taken place. Projects are also important since they offer a way of bringing in funding above and beyond revenue for day-to-day management. Process Effective participation in decision-making relating to improvements, new projects and management is a key part of encouraging ownership of new programmes and structures. This should include participation in the process of diagnosing problems as well as the development of solutions. Policy In some areas and on some issues there needs to be clear policy change, to recognise the value of high-density settlements, of which tower blocks are perhaps the most obvious examples, and that policy change should seek to ensure that where appropriate, integrated and sustainable regeneration strategies can receive the funding they need to deliver good places to live. 7.2 Support From Outside The process of improvement, development and change in any block will also need close attention Appendix 2 considers common factors from successful processes. Support is needed in some form at many points. This could come from the landlord, be it local authority or housing association; from other bodies involved in regeneration partnerships; or from NGOs. It could take the following forms: • On-going community development and capacity-building work; • Specific training programmes, notably for the development of TMOs or other new structures; • Assistance to access resources; • Provision of physical improvements – refurbishment, security measures etc. A key issue is what is good practice for agencies in ensuring that regeneration or refurbishment programmes support, complement, and are sensitive to the community development process and the need for sustainability. Agencies themselves may need to go through a process of education and capacity-building in order to develop a culture and approach which supports community democracy.		Contents Executive Summary Introduction 1. Tower Blocks, sustainable development, and high-density housing 2. The key issues 3. The problems 4. The potential 5. Towards sustainable development 6. The key issues 7. The process of development 8. Conclusions and recommendations – from ‘streets in the sky’ to ‘vertical villages’? 9. Postscript: Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 References Download the full report in PDF (110kB)