Institute of Geography. The School of Geosciences.The University of Edinburgh
Abstract
This paper presents a case study of processes that are changing the physical and social
fabric of Dundee, concentrating on the proposed demolition of the multi-story flats that,
for over thirty years, have dominated the city’s skyline. It begins with an overview of
current developments in housing regeneration and governance before moving on to the
specific example of Dundee. The empirical material falls into two parts. The first consists
of a critical analysis of the council’s housing plans, looking at the arguments given for
the proposals (making use of material obtained under the Freedom of Information Act as
well as documents more readily available), and also at the consultation process. The
second part looks at the reactions and experiences of the tenants of the buildings,
drawing on protracted participant action research with housing activists and tenants.
This case study tests some of the recent theories about the nature of regeneration under
New Labour, and draws disturbing conclusions about the use of resources, the failures of
local democracy and the impact of current policies on those with the least economic and
political leverage
