This is the first time that Market Assessment has examined the issue of urban regeneration. However, there are several report titles which touch on issues dealt with in this report, including Family (October 1994) and UK House Building (July 1996).

The premise behind the modern urban regeneration movement is to provide an integrated approach to urban development, in which local, national and European resources are used to improve social, economic and environmental conditions in deprived inner-city areas. Since the 1970s, a number of Britain's leading cities have seemingly been in almost terminal decline. Manchester and Liverpool, for example, have lost almost a third of their populations. Even London, which has experienced a sustained period of economic prosperity - primarily as a consequence of its global strength in financial services - retains areas of extreme poverty and urban decay.

The approach which Market Assessment has taken with this report is first to review the factors that have led to the decline of major urban centres as desirable places to live, including issues such as economic development, crime, education and employment. This is followed by an outline of the major local, national and European agencies and bodies that provide funding aimed at rejuvenating Britain's urban environment. In order to reinforce the integrated nature of urban regeneration in the UK, case studies of Liverpool, Manchester and the London borough of Southwark are used. These highlight the multifaceted approach taken by modern urban regeneration programmes.

Exclusive research, commissioned by Market Assessment and conducted by National Opinion Polls (NOP), was used to gauge people's attitudes towards urban living. Specifically, the survey investigated the factors that would persuade people to live in an inner-city area. Results showed that the availability and quality of work was the most important factor in persuading people to live in cities. This was followed closely by accessibility to green space and the availability of housing that is both attractive and affordable.