3 - Early planning, preparatory steps, crucial decisions, implementation, and beyond: the phases of redevelopment

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the phases of a redevelopment project. However, the chapter does not elaborate on detailed plans, procedures, and activities. Different categorizations of a redevelopment process are given in the literature. This book has chosen to describe the phases as follows:•Early planning. The main goal of this phase is to obtain and evaluate information/guidance about the site assets and liabilities, the scope of the project, the location of adjacent areas, requirements, and constraints. The identification of those responsible for the project and the most likely stakeholders will begin at this stage. During this phase, various redevelopment options for the facility/site are identified and assessed.•Stabilization. Industrial operation has left behind hazardous substances in the soil or in the buildings. Remaining contamination can pose safety and health risks to the public and negatively impact the environment. Thus, contamination can present significant barriers to the adaptive reuse both in costs and time. The stabilization phase is especially critical to ensure that the building/site has reached a satisfactory end state (the baseline condition for redevelopment) and is fit for the next phase. In traditional terms, stabilization is tantamount to the decontamination of surfaces, cleanup of soils, and the dismantling of those structures that could impede smooth redevelopment (D&ER).•Identification and acquisition of resources for redevelopment. The detailed plans and licensing procedures should be completed during this phase. It is also crucial that a detailed financial review be carried out to check financing possibilities and obtain redevelopment grants if missing. This may also include the selection of consultants and contractors.•Property transfer. This phase refers to the actual work to complete the redevelopment project including any construction work as identified in the previous phases. Transfer of the property title will occur at this stage. If the redevelopment process fails or is undefinedly postponed, total dismantling is likely to remain the only practical option.•Longer-term revitalization. This phase extends beyond the completion of individual redevelopment projects. Local authorities should integrate these projects with larger-scale, community-wide revitalization efforts and longer-term land use and growth management planning.