Exploring spatial patterns of urban brownfields regeneration: The case of Brno, Czech Republic

• Spatial patterns of urban brownfields regeneration are explored.
• Regeneration is a function of local potential, local occupier demand and planning regulations.
• Regeneration more likely occurs in densely populated and densely built-up areas.
• Retail and business development projects occur closer to the city centre and main roads.
• Housing development is associated with population density and local population’s education.

Previous studies have demonstrated that the location of brownfields is an important factor affecting potential investor decisions and brownfields regeneration. In this study, the spatial patterns of urban redevelopment are explored, using an analysis of variance model for a detailed database of existing and regenerated brownfields in the city of Brno, Czech Republic. Any general pattern of regeneration – such as ‘the closer to the city centre, the better’, which would be valid for all brownfields – has not been found. Rather, regeneration seems to be a function of local development potential, local occupier-demand for specific utilities, and planning regulations. Higher rates of regeneration have been detected in densely built-up areas (inner city zones and housing estates), while lower rates are registered for areas with low population density and with a greater supply of green spaces (garden colonies, open spaces, industrial zones and villa residential districts). The factors of centrality and transport links are positively associated with retail and business development projects, but negatively associated with the projects of housing development and construction of civic amenities, for which population density and the socioeconomic structure of the local population are significant positive factors. Important implications for further research and urban planning are formulated in the conclusions.