Introduction: urban regeneration, a global phenomenon

Abstract

This chapter considers large-scale urban development projects (UDPs) as a particular type of neo-liberal intervention strategy in urban regeneration in China. This neo-liberal strategy underpins a city’s competitive advantage and economic growth. Its more entrepreneurial stance enhances a city’s attractiveness to residents, visitors and footloose capital, and helps to maintain its status within a region. In the development of the Shanghai Pudong New Area, neo-liberalism played a significant role in the formulation of urban strategies to attract global finance; facilitate private participation; promote competitiveness; project modern, dynamic city images; and position Shanghai through global actors and city marketing. On the other hand, the developmental state framework (explained below) in which the development of Pudong is embedded further defined certain distinctive features in terms of the implementation strategies and the role of the state in these projects. The analysis highlights four main features: exploring flexible economic measures via this urban project; synergy between China’s central and local Government in facilitating large-scale urban development projects; boldly adapting institutional and legal framework to facilitate private participation; and the lack of active societal participation in the decision-making process.

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