‘Best value’: when history, identity and economics clash

Abstract

This paper discusses how planning for future use of an urban heritage site in Reading, can be both inclusive and sustainable. Reading is a diverse town with a 25% non-white population (Census 2011). The latter comprises Afro-Caribbeans, Nepalese, Polish, Pakistanis, Indians and others. There has been a public spat between the local council and a particular bidder, Aspire, formed from the Afro-Caribbean community; over ‘saving’ a mural painted in 1990 on a wall of the now non-operational Central Club in Reading. This club, last operational in 2006, and mural, are embedded in the community identity and also provide a sense of place. The Aspire bid is thus charged with culture and identity tensions against the more economic ‘best value’ pressures of the council for regeneration and commercial viability. Despite council assurances that mural preservation is a condition set for all bidders, the Afro-Caribbean community is not reassured because the bidding was open to the market, rather than only charity and community-based groups which was the case in the previous ‘failed’ round. Using discourse analysis of available information, this paper provides insights and recommendations into such culturally charged and disputed planning.