The polycentric urban region: A closer inspection

The concept of the polycentric urban region (PUR) is one that has gained considerable currency over the last decade. Nevertheless, a certain vagueness continues to surround the concept. A set of conditions is outlined that Would need to be satisfied before a PUR could reasonably be said to exist. The PUR is contrasted with other types of region, and various forms of the PUR are then briefly reviewed. Consideration is next given to the supposed economic advantages of the PUR. This is followed by a discussion of the extent to which the concept of the PUR has emerged as a focus in urban and regional policy.