RECENT TOURS > Biotechnology and IT Convergence Boston, USA, Oct 05 > Creativity & Clusters Manchester, UK, Oct 05 > Sustainable Cities Barcelona, Spain, Nov 05 > Urban Regeneration Bilbao, Spain, Nov 05 > Full tour list |
URBAN REGENERATION   
London Thames Gateway Development Corporation commissioned Inspire Nation to lead a series of studies to successful waterfront developments. The former industrial city of Bilbao is in the process of being transformed into a culturally attractive, service-oriented city – with spectacular results. From the moment a visitor steps off the plane into Santiago Calatrava’s airport, they realise that the city is special: The architecture throughout the city is stunning, transport facilities are some of the cleanest and least expensive in the world, civic pride is high, and the Basques have excelled at marketing and branding their city and region. The Inspire Nation-led tour will focus on how the city has achieved its ambitious regeneration. As well as studying the cultural and architectural changes that have put Bilbao on the map, delegates will be looking at Bilbao’s urban planning, flood defences, and the cleaning up of the Nervion River. Many of these subjects are of pertinent interest to the UK group, who will take back fresh ideas and learning to their own regions. “Bilbao was a downtrodden coastal city until the Guggenheim's post-modern complex was opened in 1997. The museum has turned into one of Europe's top cultural attractions, lured hordes of visitors and proved a major economic fillip not just to the city but the surrounding region in northern Spain—generating roughly $1 billion in income for the area over the last seven years.” Newsweek Inc, 2005 |