2.2.1 Motivation of public sector

We start with the motivation of the public sector – where most of the Entrust partners come from (if not all – it depends on your definition!).  The reasons for involving the private sector range from ‘Because the government tells us to involve them’ (Glasgow), through ‘The loss of public money for investment in the infrastructure of Berlin after 1990 can only be balanced by an increase of private sector investment’ (Berlin) to the more positive ‘Government owns assets primarily in the form of land, but lacks the capital for developing the same sites. Private sector involvement is thus envisaged as a way of capitalising on property assets whereby the government grants the land the private sector forks the financial investment’(Malta). and ‘to make decisions and plans on regeneration and development more effective’ (Vilnius)

While at first glance the reason to involve the private sector appears to be about replacing public sector investment with private, there are deeper reasons that come out from further discussion:

• ‘There is a recognition that the private sector plays an ‘important part in the area - can be the actors that have resources; gives the area a voice; more holistic planning’ (Copenhagen).
   

• ‘We have learnt from experience that the public sector cannot do it all itself. This is the third regeneration of the Gorbals in 50 years – previous attempts were public sector’ (Glasgow).
   

• ‘Private protagonists in redevelopment areas have a more intensive insight of the planning processes, procedure schedule, consideration necessities and political structures.’ (Hamburg)
   

• ‘To share expenses of regeneration of the private property/ to give an incentive and impetus to qualitative renovation of local commerce and urban atmosphere, in order to promote tourism’ (Lisbon)
  

• ‘The private sector is an important source of job opportunities and the main contributor to the local and national economy’s well-being’ (Malta)
   
• ‘To know needs of private companies, to share responsibility with the private sector on area’s development, to receive private sector support’ (Vilnius)