Brownfield Regeneration vs. Greenfield Investments − Case Study Ecka Industrial Zone in Zrenjanin, Serbia

Abstract

The paper discusses how different investment types affect the transformation of the urban environment. In the narrow sense, the research subject is the comparative analysis of the effects produced by Brownfield sites regeneration versus Greenfield investment. An example that illustrates the relation between these investment kinds is Ecka industrial zone in Zrenjanin. The central part of the paper presents the comparative study of the positive and negative effects as the result of Greenfield and Brownfield investments. The main parameters for the analysis of the mentioned investments are determined in accordance with the aspects of sustainable development - specially economic, social and environmental aspect of sustainable development. In terms of urban planning, Brownfield and Greenfield investments primarily differ by the activity distribution and infrastructure equipment. This implies that the positive effects which arise as the result of Greenfield investments are the primary deficiencies of Brownfield regeneration and vice versa. Therefore, the analysis of the sustainable development aspects is presented in the form of an argumentative essay, with the comparison of positive and negative parameters. The paper aims to show how and to what extent can Brownfield site be successfully revitalized in comparison with Greenfield site investment. The last part of the paper is given in the form of final conclusions. The subject of some further research can be based on the analysis of only one among several aspects offered, all in order to understand the needs of the modern city and facilitate its further development.