What is the relationship between rebranding and regeneration?

Though the two concepts are often confused or used synonymously, rebranding and regeneration refer to two very different (but intrinsically linked) aspects of creating a new identity or “fresh start” for something, or somewhere.

Regeneration typically refers to encouraging growth and restoration in an area that has previously displayed symptoms of decline, primarily the economy but also relating to other social, economic and environmental aspects of an area. Nonetheless, it is an essential aspect of creating a new beginning for an area because without a stable economic foundation, an area can struggle to grow and strive as it lacks the financial capability to continue expanding. Regeneration is seen as a long and continuous process that transforms a depleting area (in terms of economy and physical features) into a growing, stable area.

Rebranding, however, refers to a much more varied and inclusive type of change – instead focussing on developing a place to change or improve its image and public opinion. This usually consists of two different actions: regeneration and reimaging. Rebranding as a concept usually includes regeneration as one of the two fundamental steps to positively transform or rebrand an area. Unlike regeneration, rebranding focuses on improving the actual physical infrastructure and environment of an area – the “inside” – as well as improving the public opinion towards the area and making it desirable – the “outside”.

I believe that regeneration is an instrumental part of rebranding, and that without regeneration, rebranding would not be as successful. However, regeneration alone is often not enough to rebrand an area, therefore other methods such as reimaging are also useful and form a new image of an area. Both methods are similar in that they aim to develop an area beginning to decline and but they differ in that rebranding refers to a complete transformation of an area, whereas regeneration offers a more basic transformation of the physical area, infrastructure and economy.

P.S. I’m not sure if I have understood this question correctly so all of the above may make no sense if this is the case!