ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a valuable historical context of spatial planning, tracing how planning practice has had to evolve from focusing on growth and urbanisation to needing to develop various approaches for addressing physical urban decline and demographic shrinkage. Hall presents insights into strategic planning challenges including regional growth and shrinkage being faced in the twenty-first century. He draws from recent reports on the state of cities in Europe in general, as well as in the United Kingdom more specifically. Strau examines the shrinking city experience from the viewpoint of public policy and planning process. Malottki, Kirchner and Cischinsky also examine housing demand in both growing and shrinking urban regions. Gurran, Norman and Hamin also provide a perspective on growth and change in non-metropolitan areas of coastal Australia.
