Downtown regeneration in Clarksdale, USA (‘Birthplace of the Blues’): Lessons for downtowns and high streets

Clarksdale is a small city in the state of Mississippi, USA, comprising some 16,000 residents. Once prosperous with a focus on agriculture and manufacturing, the city experienced severe economic changes from the 1940s and 1950s onwards. Industrial decline and loss of jobs, a population with low socio-economic profile in national terms, competition from other cities and towns and out-of-centre developments all contributed to a decline in downtown business activities. Around the turn of the 21st century, however, the seeds of downtown regeneration were planted by long-time local residents and by newcomers attracted by the cultural heritage of the locale and lifestyle opportunities. In essence, the regeneration of the downtown area has focused on the recognition that Clarksdale is the ‘Birthplace of the Blues’, with Blues music playing an essential part in the revitalisation process and building on cultural heritage, creative individuals and community efforts. This paper discusses factors contributing to Clarksdale’s regeneration, together with lessons for other downtowns, high streets, main streets and activity centres.