Editorial: Austerity era regeneration: Conceptual issues and practical challenges, Part 1

This special issue investigates the challenges posed by an era of austerity affecting the activities of those immersed in the regeneration of places. The Great Recession of the 21st century provides a critical juncture, but also significant are contextual factors, political strategies and positions taken by key authors. This special issue brings together a diverse mixture of agents of regeneration, including: those who have led large public-sector organisations; those who have initiated regeneration ventures; those who are steeped in partnership working; those specialising in private-sector consultancy; state and non-state policy makers and policy shapers; community advisers acting in various voluntary, philanthropic and professional capacities; local government officers; policy analysts and commentators; bloggers; researchers; scholars; and those who have had several different careers related to regeneration. Engaging with conceptual issues and practical challenges, this special issue is located in the fertile terrain between policy, implementation and academia. It does not seek to provide any magic formulas for those confronted with the challenges facing regeneration in an era of austerity, but, where possible, pragmatic lessons are identified, new dilemmas are raised and broader implications teased out.