Assessing the potential and limits of community-based initiatives in urban regeneration: three decades of experience on Sheffield’s Manor estate

This paper charts the evolution, over three decades, of a group of community-based organizations in the Manor area of Sheffield, UK, which have sought to establish the basis for its economic and social regeneration. It identifies various factors as important in underpinning the organizations’ collective contribution, but observes that this contribution is largely limited to the rebuilding of community capital, esteem and environment. Material and measurable improvements in social and economic indicators require, in addition, a stronger appreciation of the value of organizational knowledge and learning, and more purposeful network development. The increased role for community-based organizations in addressing the challenges of sustained economic austerity is noted