Defence Sites: Heritage and Future (Wit Transactions on the Built Environment)

Containing some of the papers presented at the first International Conference on the topic, organized by the Wessex Institute of Technology and held in Portsmouth, UK, in June 2012, "Defence Sites: Heritage and Future" provides information useful in planning the reuse of former military sites. Former defence sites offer a range of opportunities to planners, architects and local communities to redevelop large areas, bringing new life to often neglected parts of town. These opportunities are common to many countries. The papers presented in the book stress this common feature and help to share experiences in the transformation to civilian uses of defence sites around the world. The volume covers the the scale, design and function of defence sites. The papers also afford a better understanding of the issues raised by site closures and the implications for the land of various disposal processes. The reuse of defence sites raises questions regarding the need to recover brownfields and contaminated land, which can have far-reaching legal responsibilities and environmental consequences. Some of the papers address the need to achieve sustainable development, meeting maintenance and conservation needs, as well as providing built and natural environmental controls, while responding to the needs and aspirations of local communities. Topics covered include: Military heritage history; Castles and fortresses; Risk assessment; Simulation and modelling; Case studies; Transition from military to civilian life; Community involvement. The book is a valuable tool for understanding the potential for development of defence sites. It contains examples of good practice from around the world.