Redundant and marginalized spaces

The purpose of this chapter is to delve beneath the surface of disused spaces in order to understand more about why they occur and what might be done about them. The geographical scope is global, although with an emphasis on the north, where cities tend to be older and more vulnerable. The chapter considers patters and processes of systemic urban decline. The subsequent section looks more closely at the reasons by empty and unproductive spaces emerge within cities. It also asks whether policy should intervene more actively in enabling property adjustment to economic change. This is followed by a consideration of urban policy, including the potential for the new agenda to provide a more comprehensive rationale for transforming neglected spaces and remaking place.