What does redevelopment mean?
Redevelopment means the process of developing an existing place or property again, normally involving substantial changes to its buildings, layout, or purpose. It is especially common in discussions of urban areas, housing, commercial sites, industrial land, and former public facilities. The word can refer both to the activity itself and to the resulting development. Unlike simple renovation, which may focus on repair and restoration, redevelopment often implies a new phase in a place's use, potentially involving demolition, reconstruction, remodelling, or a complete change of function. In journalism, planning documents, and property development, it signals transformation rather than ordinary maintenance. The term can carry neutral descriptive force, although in debates over local planning it may also suggest controversy, disruption, or the loss of an area's previous character.
nounThe process of developing an area, building, or property again, usually with significant changes or improvements. It can also refer to the resulting new development.
- The process of developing an existing area, building, or property again, especially through significant alteration, reconstruction, or replacement.
- A newly developed area or complex, especially one resulting from such a process.
"The redevelopment of the former factory site brought apartments, offices, and a public park to the neighborhood."
"The council approved the redevelopment of the old railway station into a mixed-use building."
"After several years of redevelopment, the waterfront had become a popular destination for restaurants and cultural events."
Plural forms are used for separate redevelopment projects or completed transformations.
"The city has approved several major redevelopments along the river."
Redevelopment is more than repairing what was old: it is the process of giving a place a substantially new life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does redevelopment come from?
Redevelopment combines the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with develop. Develop comes through French développer, from Latin de-, meaning “un-” or “reverse,” and veloper, meaning “to unwrap.” In modern English, redevelop arose by applying re- to an existing word, and its use became especially prominent in urban planning and property development during the 20th century.
Related word forms
How redevelopment is actually used
The term is common in planning, property, and urban-development contexts. It usually suggests substantial change rather than minor repairs or routine maintenance.
Easily confused with redevelopment
Development generally refers to the process or result of building something for the first time, while redevelopment means developing an existing place or property again.