Creativity, Newcomers, and the Transformation of Inner Cityscapes

Over the last three decades, aspirations to enhance urban competitiveness have featured strongly in the rationale of architecture‐led regeneration. The attraction of newcomers whose imagination, inspiration, and skills can lead to innovation in technology and/or the arts has risen up the political and economic agendas of city governments. Attempts to attract a ‘creative class’ include the revitalisation of commercial enclaves associated with ethnic and cultural minorities: projects that generally depend on partnerships between the public, private, and not‐for‐profit sectors. Although such initiatives purport to 'celebrate' diversity, creativity, and innovation, critics argue that over time they become little more than places of entertainment that capitalise on ethnic stereotypes to cater to high‐spending visitors, whilst ignoring the needs of local communities. Nonetheless, alternative projects initiated at community‐level do exist. Where there is genuine involvement of diverse local stakeholders, regeneration projects can result in spaces that are creative in their own right.