Relational spatiality and resort restructuring

This study examines the extent to which relational spatiality is captured within coastal resort restructuring visions drawing on a detailed examination of Newquay, UK. It outlines the relevance of relational spatiality for spatial planning generally and coastal resort restructuring specifically. Then, utilising Healey’s (2004) conceptualisations of space and place, and employing content analysis of selected tourism strategising documents, it explores the treatment of space and place in Newquay’s visions for restructuring. It reveals the co-existence of Essentialist and Relational approaches to spatial planning, with greater emphasis placed on the former, whilst the latter is used primarily as a tool through which to extend the resort’s reach. Some implications for coastal resort restructuring in Newquay and elsewhere are highlighted.

► Coexistence of relational and essentialist interpretations of place distinctiveness.
► Its use as a tool for extending a resort’s reach.
► Potential value of relational spatiality to resort planners and managers.
► Theoretical value of relational spatiality to managing globalisation.