This textbook is a great starting point for any teacher wanting to brush up and update their knowledge of urban regeneration in the UK. Tallon looks at the policy frameworks put in place and how they are used in different contexts, with frequent use of real places to demonstrate different aspects and impacts of regeneration. The importance of social inclusion and economic competitiveness are considered, with evaluation of how successful regeneration can be in achieving these goals. Vital questions are asked, such as how regeneration can be truly inclusive, benefitting the many, rather than the few. Geography teachers will find this a thought-provoking read, with great relevance to the current geography curriculum.

Cardiff faced deindustrialisation and social deprivation in the 1980s, with the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation being set up to regenerate its dockland area. This article lists the aims of this regeneration and goes on to explore key elements of the scheme, including the Barrage and the Millennium Centre. Problems faced during the project are considered and criticisms included alongside success stories. Teachers and students will find this an accessible and interesting read.

While the previous article provides an overview of the Cardiff Bay regeneration, including some criticisms, this article delves deeply into the history of ‘Tiger Bay’, exploring how this multicultural area was ‘crushed’ by regeneration. It is suggested that this involved first the neglect and demolition of much of the housing in the area, then the regeneration of the area by the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation. The result is that the deprived community who previously lived in the area is now squeezed into a smaller space, feeling segregated from the new developments. Reading this article alongside the previous one could form the basis of a fascinating lesson.

The BBC article quotes Adrian Jones (2012) as saying that Cardiff Bay is a contender for the ‘worst example of waterside regeneration in Britain’ because the existing Butetown community was excluded, and public money wasted on ‘vanity projects’. Cardiff is not the only city that has faced such accusations. This paper explores the concept of ‘prestige projects’ in regeneration, considering both benefits and limitations. The conclusion is that such projects are often of little benefit to the urban poor and can even make their situation worse. The projects can also mask social and economic problems in cities. The article was written before the millennium and discusses how funding for millennium projects may be spent – it would be extremely interesting to challenge students to look back at regeneration schemes funded at this time to see if they have fallen into the traps discussed here. Prestige projects are often sold as good for us all, but is that the case?