Comeback Cities transformations strategies for former industrial cities

Europe has many towns and cities that were previously dominated by the textile industry, sometimes for centuries. When the industry moved to low-wage countries, these once flourishing cities had to find other means of existence and a new purpose for their deserted factory building.

Comeback Cities presents the results of a unique, large-scale study about the period following the demise of the textile industry in 12 European towns ands cities: Tilburg (Netherlands), Chemnitz (Germany), Ghent (Belgium), Roubaix (France), Lodz (Poland), Prato (Italy), Leeds, Manchester and Huddersfield (United Kingdom) and Tampere and Forssa (Finland). The research was carried out by specialists from the Universities of Brussels, Tilburg, Manchester and Helsinki as well as from the Fontys Academy of Architecture and Urbanism. It focuses on the various ways in which these cities have worked – or con¬tinue to work – on a successful comeback following the demise of the textile industry. The results are crucial for industrial cities which are keen to reposition and promote themselves as locations with an attractive economic and cultural climate.