During the past 10 years 'partnership' has become a defining characteristic of British urban regeneration. It is widely recognised that the multiple problems of economic decline, social exclusion and dereliction require holistic and area-specific responses that can only be provided by effective multi-agency working, through local partnerships. Yet, to date, there has been little systematic research into why partnerships succeed or fail; into what works and what does not.

This report provides an in-depth study of the factors that influence the effectiveness of urban regeneration partnerships, and how they work within the emerging national policy context. Case studies were carried out in 27 partnerships in eight city-regions in England and Scotland and in the Welsh Valleys.

Urban regeneration through partnership highlights the key lessons of partnership, exploring good practice in:

· leadership;

· visioning and consensus building;

· translation of vision into workable objectives;

· including the community and business in partnership;

· human resources.

The report explores what it calls the 'foundations of partnership', including the modernisation of local government, a coherent regional development framework and a sound national urban policy. In addition, it provides detailed information on the case studies themselves, and gives good practice recommendations.

Urban regeneration through partnership is essential reading for workers and policy makers in urban regeneration partnerships, communities involved in urban regeneration and national and local government, as well as anyone with an interest in neighbourhood regeneration strategies and practice.