With the increased interest in high density housing, Holland provides a source of inspiration. Jon Rowland describes recent schemes in Amsterdams docklands. .

A strategic plan was adopted based on a series of parks with distinctive themes.

Cities in Australia are having to face the challenges of dispersal by broadening their roles and by improving the quality of their centres.

The contraction of heavy industry on which parts of Britain and Southern Belgium once depended have brought similar problems to their towns.

Canterbury has been particularly successful in diversifying its economy through new universities and tourism. .

Chatham Maritime is a mixed-use waterside development being carried out by SEEDA, which has a large residential component. .

The Main Street Programme is a national programme which has evolved from simple policies of conservation and enhancement of the built environment to a highly successful comprehensive approach to business/commercial development and developing the capacity of voluntary groups.

Investment in conservation and high quality urban design is paying off through housing expansion.

In late 1999 the Council commissioned a firm of architects and urban planners to carry out a study of Swindon’s central area, to demonstrate how its facilities, services and environment could be improved.

Consultation following a review by the Commission for New Towns revealed a desire to see smaller, independent units, small squares and open spaces, and a usable public realm with more variety emerged as repeated themes..

A county-wide programme to improve town centres in Kent has brought together expertise in urban design and economic development.

A county-wide programme to improve town centres in Kent brings together expertise in urban design and economic development.

Ramsgate, although closely linked with Margate and Broadstairs under Thanet District Council, is a comparatively small town with a population of 38,000. .