Abstract
ABSTRACT There has been much written about the “privatisation of public space”. This paper explores and challenges these narratives by questioning whether we have seen a privatisation at all. Through an analysis of historic and contemporary data, it concludes that, in London at least, we have actually witnessed the reverse, a “public-isation of private space”. The paper goes on to ask what are the management implications of the trend? It finds that the negative associations around privatisation are often misplaced and that public-isation processes have the potential to deliver a substantial net gain to society. At the same time, the public interest management implications are just as real for public-isation as for privatisation processes. Through action research the idea of public authorities adopting a charter of public space rights and responsibilities is tested in order that the potential benefits of public space projects are captured and negative impacts avoided.
Highlights
The paper goes on to ask what are the management implications of the trend? It finds that the negative associations around privatisation are often misplaced and that public-isation processes have the potential to deliver a substantial net gain to society
How this relates to the broader concern for publicness is discussed before, third, action research focussed on generating a charter of public space rights and responsibilities is introduced and discussed, including how these ideas are being taken up in London
Rather than the new wave of enclosures portended, what has been witnessed is the bringing of new spaces into public use, even if it remains in private ownership
Summary
Recent evidence on the phenomenon gathered by The Guardian newspaper is investigated and interrogated and the notion of the publicisation or private space is revealed How this relates to the broader concern for publicness is discussed before, third, action research focussed on generating a charter of public space rights and responsibilities is introduced and discussed, including how these ideas are being taken up in London. In a final part the paper concludes with a call for a more nuanced view of privatisation narratives and a recognition that, if properly regulated, public-isation processes have the potential to offer real benefits to society. They should not be rejected solely for narrow dogmatic or political reasons
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
