NATIONAL DRIVERS REGIONAL PRIORITIES LOCAL PRIORITIES PRACTICAL TOOLS PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT CASE STUDIES FURTHER INFORMATION

Strong cities, strategic regions

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‘Place’ is becoming more important as a driver of economic growth and prosperity. The Local Government White Paper 2006 recognises the important contribution that cultural and sports infrastructure and facilities make to the ‘place’ agenda, helping to drive economic growth and regeneration in towns, cities and regions. A better cultural, sports and environmental offer alongside a sense of renewed civic pride helps to promote a healthy, sustainable and cohesive community.

Government expects city-regions in particular to work at national and regional levels with Sport England, Arts Council England, Museums Libraries and Archives Council, Visit Britain, UK Film Council, English Heritage and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment to make the most of this opportunity. Other bodies, such as Play England, can also provide support and expertise at a regional and national level.

Click here to read what "Strong and Prosperous Communities", The Local Government White Paper 2006 says about the benefits of sport and cultural activity on place.

Sporting and cultural activity and events can generate significant economic, commercial and social benefits, both locally and nationally. Major sporting events have catalysed long-term economic gains where they have been used as a lever for wider regeneration of a place. Participation in cultural and sporting activities improves skills and confidence, enhances social networks and strengthens social cohesion, and has positive impacts on health. These benefits are particularly marked amongst young people, ethnic minority groups and disabled people.

The public sector alone cannot create a city’s culture or control the benefits it brings. But the actions they take can be a very powerful promoter and catalyst. Provision of a range of cultural facilities, coupled with a good quality environment, can also be a major attractor to businesses and workers. Cultural facilities and events, including the creation of a ‘cultural sector’ in a city, can enhance the image of an area, creating a sense of place and civic pride. A coherent “cultural offer” across a city-region promotes the area on a regional, national and international stage and could provide a substantial attraction to businesses and individuals in taking location and investment decisions.’

Strong and prosperous communities, The Local Government White Paper, 2006


 

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