Region A: The East Midlands region of England

The East Midlands region, situated in the heart of England, is the fourth largest region in the country. It consists of the counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland.

The region has a population of over 4 million people.

The central location of the East Midlands, together with its comprehensive network of road, rail, air and sea links, provides the region with excellent communications and accessibility. With both of the UK´s major north-south highways (the M1 running from London to Leeds and the A1 running from London to Edinburgh) passing through the region, over 99% of the UK market is within one day´s journey by road from the East Midlands. East Midlands Airport, the regions major airport, is well located adjacent to the M1 Motorway, and within 15 miles of Derby, Leicester and Nottingham. The airport, which provides both international and domestic services, is one of the UK´s largest air cargo gateways and benefits from excellent airfreight facilities. Both passenger and rail freight links are excellent in the region, with easy access to routes throughout the UK and Europe. The region also affords easy access to the major East Coast seaports, providing excellent access to the Continent and beyond.

Based on the country´s most diverse industrial base, the region has one of the fastest rates of economic growth in the UK. The engineering, pharmaceuticals, electronics, food processing, automotive components and clothing & footwear industries, are all significantly represented. This representation is often in the form of small to medium sized firms.

World-renowned British companies successfully based in the East Midlands include Rolls Royce, Boots, British United Shoes Machinery, Royal Ordnance, Coates Viyella and Courtaulds.

The East Midlands has over 650 foreign-owned companies, between them employing over 40,000 people. Major international investors in the region include Toyota, Nippon Seiko, Caterpillar, Astra Charnwood, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola. The Toyota car production plant in Derbyshire is one of the largest ever inward investments into the UK.

The high quality of life within the region makes the East Midlands one of the most pleasant regions in which to live and work. There are top class educational facilities, quality housing which is affordable and plentiful, a wide variety of scenery and an abundance of unspoiled countryside and coastline. Planting has already begun to create one of Europe´s largest forests, increasing the region´s natural beauty at the same time as helping the environment.

Project A: Markham Willows

MARKHAM
1. Location	Bolsover, Derbyshire, East Midlands Region of England
2. Site	- Coal mine - Tip - 2,000,000 m
3. Contamination and Debris	- Dioxins - Metals
4. Buildings and Infrastructure	- Most of the structures were demolished in 1990Õs. This was normal practice at the time
5. Concept / Future use	- Commercial use of the colliery site; the tip will be used to produce biomass (willow trees) to provide heat and energy for the new uses on the colliery site; - Project design includes job creation, training, education, waste management, renewable energy, risk management, public amenity, wildlife habitat
6. Realization	2002 - 2004

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Region B: North-East of England

The North East is one of the smallest of the English regions in both area (8,592 sq.m) and population (2.6 million). It is a region of contrast, over half of which is rural incorporating two National Parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty and historical features. Approximately 70% of the population live in the cities and towns along the River Tyne, Wear and Tees which were once dependent on heavy manufacturing and the mining, steel and shipbuilding industries. Significant regeneration has been undertaken in both the urban and rural communities of the region yet the region still has substantial pockets of deprivation.

The region has experienced enormous changes over the past 50 years. Between 1981 and 1997, the North East lost over 110,000 jobs in primary and manufacturing industries, representing 10% of the workforce. However 20% of the workforce is still employed in the manufacturing sector today. Inward investment has resulted in a diversification of the economy into new areas including, microelectronics, offshore industry, biotechnology and automotives. There has also been a growth in the service sectors, public administration, education and health. Other sectors of the economy which are experiencing growth include call centres, retail and tourism. The creation of new jobs in new industries has required people to acquire new skills to take up the opportunities available.

The region has a greater proportion of derelict land than for England as a whole, in 1993 3,824 hectares were classed as derelict and 3,225 hectares required reclamation. Research undertaken by Northumbria University expected this figure to increase over the next five years. The total stock of land available for development is not being replenished at a fast enough rate. Therefore the improvement of the urban environment will make a significant contribution to the region.

Gateshead is the largest of five metropolitan boroughs within Tyne and Wear. It includes a mix of urban areas, which comprises of commercial, industrial and retail premises and rural areas. Gateshead has a high profile both regionally and nationally in sport (Gateshead International Stadium), horticulture (Chelsea Flower Show, Gold Medal winner), retail (Metro Centre), heritage (awarded £6.9 million from Heritage Lottery Fund for the restoration of Saltwell Park) and public art (Angel of the North).

Major new developments are being built on Gateshead Quays, which will result in the transformation of derelict land in to a major leisure and culture area. Of particular significance will be the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, the Music Centre Gateshead and the Millennium Bridge Gateshead which will result in Gateshead becoming a major cultural centre culminating in the bid for European Capital of Culture in 2008.

A survey undertaken in 1997 identified 448 hectares of derelict land within Gateshead. Although a significant amount of land within Gateshead has been reclaimed, more is being identified due to the closure of industrial sites and the need for further reclamation of existing sites. The amount of land contaminated within Gateshead is likely to be extensive due to the effects of industrial use.

Project B: Gateshead Quays

GATESHEAD QUAYS
1. Location	Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, North East Region of England
2. Site	- Harbour - 2,000,000 m
3. Contamination and Debris	- Oil, - Metals
4. Buildings and Infrastructure	- Major structures retained, e.g. the Baltic Mill
5. Concept / Future use	- Social, cultural and economic regeneration
6. Realization	1999 - 2005

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