NORTH SEA REGION – ECOparks
Problems to be addressed
Objectives of ECOparks project
Damaged brownfield sites are a wasted resource which do not
function as effective urban green infrastructure
Bring brownfield sites into positive use as functional,
integrated ECOparks, which contribute to climate
adaptation, biodiversity, recreation and renewable energy
1. STERILE ENVIRONMENT – Legacy of brownfield sites within or
bordering urban areas, including quarries, slag heaps, landfills
and post industrial/military areas, which are often sterile,
nondescript environments and do not contribute to
multifunctional green infrastructure.
Demonstrate that brownfield sites can be redeveloped as
attractive, multi-functional ECOparks which provide enhanced
and wide ranging green infrastructure and economic benefits
to surrounding urban communities at local and regional scales
2. HIGH RISK- HIGH COST – Brownfields are excluded from
regeneration and conservation projects because of site specific
contamination, drainage and health and safety issues, which
are costly to resolve. It is difficult for public authorities to
attract investment for the development and sustainable
management of brownfield land
Develop a new business model for the sustainable
management of brownfield ECOparks which identifies the
combination of financial criteria (land use mix, scale, proximity
to urban/transport hubs) and green infrastructure benefits
(recreation, ecotourism, green energy, biodiversity, waste
management and self sufficiency) that are critical to resolve
site specific contamination issues and fund successful long
term management. Explore options for financing, phasing and
risk sharing of integrated remediation projects.
3. BIODIVERSITY VALUE – the situation is complicated because
some types of low nutrient habitat found on brownfield sites
have exceptionally high biodiversity value. Sustainable
management of such ‘Open Mosaic Habitat’ relies on regular
disturbance (a broken, trampled ground surface) to prevent
ecological succession. Loss of such habitats due to a general
preference for ‘tidy’ landscapes and development pressures is
putting rare and endangered species at risk of extinction.
Demonstrate innovative approaches to the creation and
management of biodiverse low nutrient habitat which meet
the twin objectives of biodiversity conservation and economic
growth, including importing secondary waste aggregates as
habitat for rare flora and fauna and schemes for mitigation
and compensation (through biodiversity offsetting).
4. CLIMATE CHANGE RISKS – disrupted and artificial landforms
create high levels of surface water run-off and contaminated
brownfield sites can cause leaching of pollutants. The problem
is particularly severe in flat urban and former industrial
landscapes so the places where most people live and where
climate change impacts could cause most damage are
particularly vulnerable to the problems of extreme
precipitation, flooding, urban heating and temperature swings.
The regions brownfield sites have a significant role to play.
Demonstrate how management of brownfield sites can help
to climate proof our urban and former industrial regions – by
increase their capacity for water retention and planting and
reducing risks of contamination. Provide evidence and
guidance to assure all stakeholders involved in the brownfield
development sector that targeted investment to create
climate-proof multifunctional restoration schemes is justified
in terms of the costs, benefits and risks involved.
5. PERCEIVED BLIGHT – Brownfields are typically perceived as
‘blighted’; they attract anti-social behaviour and contribute to
low expectations and socio-economic deprivation.
Transform perceptions of brownfield stakeholders –
developers, brownfield operators, public authorities and local
communities by promoting and demonstrating the benefits of
investment in multifunctional brownfield restoration projects.
Promote long term relationships with landowners, businesses,
the wider community and other agencies involved in land
management and sustainability. Fundamental to this is a
targeted education programme (interpretation, art, inventive
play) to change attitudes to the appearance of informal open
spaces so that there is an appreciation of the untidy,
ephemeral landscape aesthetic associated with low nutrient
habitats