Young people’s participation in the renaissance of public space - a case study in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Abstract

Clear tensions are apparent in the assessment and participation of young people in the cities of today, particularly in relation to changing decision-making structures in design-led regeneration strategies in contemporary city centers. These strategies are often driven by economic rather than civic imperatives, raising questions about the systems of participation and consultation throughout the regeneration process. This paper assesses these tensions by first giving a broad policy context to the “urban renaissance” and “Youth Matters” policy guidance in the UK and then grounding this with reference to an empirical case study of redevelopment targeting young people in the city center of Newcastle upon Tyne. This addresses both the explicit inclusion of young people as well as the implicit exclusion of youth from key spaces and decisions.