Community Regeneration

Who are we?

Our team is made up of a number of lawyers and community regeneration workers. Our vision is

…investing our skills, talents and vitality in the real and lasting transformation of communities and the establishment of a more just society by narrowing the gap between the "haves and the have nots".

What do we do?

We are a growing team and have over 15 years of community regeneration experience. We have provided advice and ongoing support to a variety of clients including: New Deal for Communities programmes, Community Associations, Development Trusts, social enterprises, Neighbourhood Management Pathfinders and other regeneration partnerships advising on such things as:

• the different possible options for legally recognised structures;
• reviewing, advising on and tailoring governance arrangements so that they are "fit for purpose";
• capacity building for Board members and the brokering of relationships of stakeholders involved;
• service level agreements, procurement issues and accountable body arrangements;
• company secretarial services; and
• succession strategies.

We have a full understanding of the need to broker relationships between agencies and stakeholders and are able to use the law to support social and economic development.

Community-based regeneration usually means trying to improve people's housing and helping residents to help themselves. It is wider than just housing, though, as a fully-functional community also involves the neighbourhoods where those homes are and needs the likes of shops and businesses, good schools, places that are and feel safe, good public transport, access to doctors and dentists and places of worship, among other factors.

The community regeneration workers are usually there from the outset, speaking to residents and helping them to organise themselves to be more effective in achieving their goals. The legal work often comes later, perhaps setting up a company or other vehicle which enables the residents, local community groups, and the Council to work together.

We have recently been awarded 'section 16 status' by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in the light of our innovative and refreshing approach to regeneration. This enables us to access funding through the Tenant Empowerment Grant for communities to search for and implement the best way forward for the transformation of their neighbourhoods. Tenant Empowerment Grant funding puts local communities in the driving seat of improvements in and around social housing.

We have worked on regeneration projects, big and small, up and down the country. For example, Royds Community Association (Bradford), Stockfield Community Association (see the before and after pictures above) and Our Hodgehill (both in Birmingham).

How can I find out more?

If you have any queries or would like further information on assistance that we are able to offer, please feel free to call us on 0121 212 7457 or email stephen.belling@anthonycollins.com

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