ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that inner-city renewal is usually taken to refer to revival of derelict areas, not the overdevelopment of prosperous ones. But both result in the loss of historic fabric, one more irrevocably than the other. One condition can also follow the other with dizzying rapidity, such as the London Docks and even parts of inner Glasgow. The revival of the worst of inner city centres requires a major input of government funds. Urban initiatives from the Home Office, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Departments of the Environment and Transport have recently been co-ordinated as part of a more directed campaign. Discussion of such infrastructure and pump-priming expenditure is best exemplified on the ground in such cities as Glasgow and even Liverpool. The official account of the proceedings spoke of firms, particularly perhaps in Glasgow, which had been casualties of changing post-war industry.
