Fenalla Keevil - Geography
Fenella Keevil
Research question: “To what extent has the redevelopment of Princesshay
shopping centre in Exeter had positive impacts?”
Introduction
Urban regeneration schemes strive “to enhance and improve the environment and the
economy of an urban area” (Tallon, 2010), through the careful planning and rebuilding of an
area. In 2005, Exeter City Council (“Exeter Council”) launched an urban regeneration
scheme, in partnership with Land Securities plc (“Land Securities”), to redevelop Princesshay
Shopping Centre (“Princesshay”) (Land Securities, 2007). Princesshay is an example of
retail-led urban regeneration, designed to create high quality shopping outlets. The other
basic types are „cultural‟, „leisure‟ and „housing led‟ regenerations (Tallon, 2010). Retail-led
projects do not preclude the introduction of other uses, although its primary focus is on
improving the shopping offer. Combined anticipated impacts of regeneration are shown in
the diagram below.
Exeter Council hoped Princesshay would assist wider regeneration of the City, generating
employment, stimulating economic activity, and enhancing and improving the environment.
However, Princesshay was controversial. Concerns from local shop keepers and
environmentalists focused upon whether Princesshay would create new „additional‟
employment and economic activity or simply displace it from existing shopping areas within
or beyond Exeter. They also worried it would increase traffic congestion thereby having a
negative impact.
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