From a bad to good reputation: a case study illustrating the re-branding of a stigmatized neighbourhood in Sweden

Neighbourhoods with low social capital and bad reputations are becoming even more deprived, with increased homelessness, poverty and gang violence. In Sweden, and internationally, there is a need for knowledge of ways to stimulate positive regeneration of neighbourhoods with a bad reputation. This ethnographical case study explores regeneration factors in a neighbourhood that was transformed over 14 years from one with low social capital and a bad reputation to one with higher social capital and a good reputation. Three key factors in this positive regeneration and de-stigmatization process of a neighbourhood with an undesirable reputation were identified: the engagement of private sector actors with place branding and spatial anchorage skills; collaborative co-creation; and home-love with emotion-based building. The findings regarding this successful case highlight the importance of collaboration and including actors with re-branding skills when rewriting the narrative of a stigmatized neighbourhood.