Brownfield Redevelopment
Field(s):
Community Development, Land Use & Law , Environmental Planning, Economic Development
Region of Focus:
General
Brownfield redevelopment refers to the process of cleaning up and repurposing abandoned, underutilized, or contaminated properties, often former industrial or commercial sites, for new uses. This approach addresses environmental hazards, promotes sustainable land use, and revitalizes blighted areas, contributing to urban renewal and economic development.
Brownfield redevelopment typically involves remediation of soil and water contamination, adaptive reuse of existing structures, and integration of mixed-use developments, such as housing, parks, or commercial spaces. By transforming neglected sites into productive spaces, brownfield redevelopment reduces urban sprawl, preserves greenfields, and fosters community revitalization.
Main Concerns in Brownfield Redevelopment:
Pollution: The land may be contaminated and unsafe without cleanup.
High cleanup costs: Cleaning and testing the site can be very expensive.
Legal issues: Developers may be held responsible for old pollution.
Gentrification: Redevelopment might raise costs and push out long-time residents.
Old infrastructure: Roads, sewers, or utilities may need upgrades.
Uncertain value: Some sites may still be hard to sell or use after cleanup.
Last update:
April 16, 2025
Developed by:
The Urban Lexis Editorial Team
Contributor(s):
With support from:
ChatGPT (by OpenAI) and DeepSeek
We acknowledge the assistance of AI tools in helping draft content. Final edits, fact-checking, and curatorial decisions were made by the Urban Lexis Editorial Team to ensure quality and relevance for our planning community.