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Memorandum submitted by West Lakes Renaissance
1. In Barrow-in-Furness, West Lakes Renaissance Urban Regeneration Company, is investing over £80m into a focussed programme of economic regeneration projects, in order to boost the local economy and improve the image of the area. Since 1981, there has been a noticeable drop in the percentage of young people (particularly those with Level 3 qualifications and above), with out migration being the chief cause. If WLR and its partners are unable to stem the flow of young talent from the area, this will have a significant effect on the success of other elements in WLR's investment programme. 2. Retaining and attracting young talent to the area is not easy. Many towns and cities offer the right mix of infrastructure, well paid jobs and other resources, so Furness must offer a lifestyle advantage in order to compete. This includes giving young people the freedom to participate in a range of sports, attain higher education qualifications, experience a diverse and vibrant cultural offer and have a good night out at a bar or restaurant. 3. A review of the Urban Regeneration literature suggests that youth involvement on regeneration projects and programmes has been very limited so far. However, West Lakes Renaissance recognises the importance of engaging young people about local regeneration initiatives and has identified Creative Partnerships as a key partner in this activity. 4. Working with Creative Partnerships has helped WLR to consult with young people in a constructive and creative way. This has involved bringing together fifteen Year 10 pupils from five secondary schools to form a Youth Regeneration Council, later named the Youth Re:Action Team. Working with a nationally renowned artist, photographer, website designers and a film company, the young people have effectively put across their views (and those of their peers through online questionnaires and one-to-one interviews) on Barrow's regeneration to the local authority and other key regeneration partners. An evaluation of the project has shown that it has dramatically changed the perceptions of councillors, officials and other key stakeholders about young people and their capacity to participate in decision making. 5. We are now working with Creative Partnerships to develop a longer term project, using rigorous research methods and creative consultation to present the views of young people on how their town should be regenerated. We are certain that Creative Partnerships will once again provide a very valuable contribution to this project. 6. Below are some annotated images and copies of press releases from the current Youth Re:Action Team project. 7. Working with Creative Partnerships has changed West Lakes Renaissance's views on how to effectively engage with young people, who are often considered a hard-to-reach group. Using creative techniques has enabled us to draw out the opinions and ideas of young people, which would not have been possible through standard questionnaires or interviews. The young people involved will be able to apply what they have learned into their school work and further education. 8. In conclusion, West Lakes Renaissance supports Creative Partnerships in it's attempts to secure further funding beyond 2008.
July 2007
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