13/03/2026
A real pleasure to swap places with students and step into the role of a lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, today, to offer some insights into culture-led regeneration: where the creative industries — arts and culture — enter the planning system.
From commissioner to practitioner, the route is rarely linear.
Planning frameworks can enable cultural integration through policy, land allocation, conditions, and funding mechanisms but where does responsibility for delivery and stewardship sit?
Ending the lecture, a short workshop explored the transformation of Folkestone over the past two decades: demonstrating how long-term cultural infrastructure, property strategy, and public art commissioning can reshape a town’s identity and economy.
If a planning authority wanted to replicate the Folkestone model, what tools would it actually need?
I was able to pop by Folkestone to briefly chat to the team about regeneration phases - was recommended: “Adventures in Regeneration: Folkestone’s New Tide by Nick Ewbank - which proved to be a fast AND an enjoyable read.
I also caught the brilliant talk from J. Maizlish Mole & Sorcha Carey, Triennial Curator hosted by chief executive, Alastair Upton MBE.
Now I’m obsessed by maps and want to challenge myself to mapping out a city from memory recollection alone…
Thank you to Dr Nezhapi-Dellé Odeleye and Alistair Barr for giving me the opportunity to test out my lecturing skills.
(AoU)
