Abstract
This paper examines whether the creation or renewal of the pedestrian environment within a city can be used as a catalyst for urban renewal. The significance of a city-wide public open space policy is assessed by reference to the successes and failures of urban regeneration strategies in Barcelona and Glasgow. The historic development and resultant city plan of each are described. A number of urban renewal initiatives are then discussed. Aspects considered include a) city-wide policies, b) financial environment, c) political sponsorship, d) local authority organisation, e) design control, f) democracy, g) city events and h) the pedestrian environment.