I could not make the Lisbon assessment visit, which was a shame as it was allegedly fantastic. However, several days in Gothenburg demonstrated what an exceptional city it is in terms of building on its historic identity and post-industrial transformation.

There is a clear strategic vision, many component elements and programmes. Themes like culture, safety, even beauty, are as important as economy, jobs and tourism. Indeed they are interconnected though progressive institutions and partnerships.

As with all post industrial cities there is still much to do, but Gothenburg seems to be more willing to connect the physical place to the social and economic dimensions that many British cities, and to challenge overly reductive, simplistic sectoral solutions.

[Show slideshow]