Place Parts, Episode 14: Towards Hints of Resilience in Pandemica

When Sustaining Place began late last Spring, I wrote several pieces about the emergence phases from the first English lockdown. There are parallels today, as the third lockdown begins to unwind. I wanted to revisit hints of resilience through a video essay on the changes to the commercial fabric of Newbury.

Today, using the lens of Sustaining a City’s Culture and Character, I illustrate certain post-pandemic city issues in real-time.

I add a common theme from many passages from the book: urban places carry memories–and reassurances–that regeneration will occur.

The video roams Newbury’s town center, documenting blended streetscapes, closed restaurants, and hints at regeneration solutions. I end the video adjacent to where I live. There, I find a subtle and remarkable record of post-pandemic reinvention.

Review the special “landing page” for Sustaining a City’s Culture and Character here.