London Docklands case study Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is the London Docklands?
An example of how urban change has created employment opportunities
Why did the docks in London decline?
- Londons history as a port city dates back to roman times
The construction of the docks facilitated the handling of the large quantitities of goods and raw materials that arrived in London by Ship
Industries such as sugar refineries, flour mills and timber yards helped developed near the docks to process these materials
However advent of container ships in 1970s led to the docks gradually becoming inadequate leading to their closure by 1980 along with many of the industries that relied on them
What caused regeneration in docklands?
The London Docklands Development Corporation
When was LDDC developed?
1981
Why was LDDC developed?
LDDC was to revitalise the area around the docks by attracting private investment
This model became a model for similar regeneration projects throughout the UK
What is one of the key features of the revitalised docklands area?
Canary Wharf which now boasts high rise office buildings housing international banks with other 100,000 people employed there and in conjunction with the city of london
What did the LDDC help London become
A major global financial centre
What employment opporutnities does london offer?
What employment opportunities does London offer?
Since 1994 - london has expeirenced almost continuous job growth the the number of jobs rising despite the recession that followed in 2007
Where have most new jobs in docklands been in? SECTOR
In the service sector - proffesional, real estate and business services which encompass various proffesions such as management consulting law and accounting, real estate agents, advertising and market research
What jobs in the docklands have seen a decline
Manufactury jobs (Industrial revolution)
What are UDCS?
Urban Development Corporations. They were established in the late 1970’s to address decline in major UK cities.
- The first UDC’s were established in the London Docklands and Liverpool.
What are UDCS?
Social reasons for LD decline?
- By the 1970’s new container ships were being used and the docks were not large enough for them to use
- People feel there has been a loss of community within the area
- Original dockworkers were often unable to find jobs in the new industries due to lack of skills
- Only 2000 affordable houses were built so many locals had to move out of the area.
-83, 000 jobs lost in 10 yrs from 1961
Economic reasons for LD decline?
- Lots of industries such as sugar refineries relocated to other cities or countries where labor costs were lower.
- House prices increased and people couldn’t afford them
Enviromental reaons for LD decline
- The docklands were very badly damaged during WWII
Social reasons for success and regeneration
- 120,000 jobs
- Employment rates doubled
- London City Airport connects the docklands to the rest of the world
- The Docklands light railway (DLR) connects the area to the rest of London
- 11 primary and 2 secondary schools, 3 colleges
- Sailing and watersports club center built
- Shopping centre built with more than 30 shops
- Money invested into health care centres
- £100 million spent on health, education and job training
£10 million spent on improving council houses
Economic reasons for success and regeneration
- London is a world leader in financial services
- Private investment was brought in to regenerate the area (£7.7 billion)
- Tourists bring in further income and secure employment
- Canary Wharf is home to many international banks
- 2700 businesses trading in the area
How many tourists each year?
2 million
Enviromental reasons for success and regeneration?
- Disused buildings were given new roles, warehouses were turned into flats, gyms and bars.
- Developed a high quality environment with well-designed buildings, public spaces and art.
- 17 conservation areas set up
- Planted 200,000 trees
- Network of pedestrian and cycle routes
How many people work in Canary Wharf?
Over 100,000 people
What were some of the issues with the lddc?
- Locals were unable to afford the new expensive houses
- Locals protected against the LDDC (lots of graffiti)
- New jobs required skills that the old dock workers didn’t have
-Social segregation of newcomers and the original locals
Employment
Low rents attracted a number of hi-tech and financial firms. This includes The Limehouse ITV studios and The Guardian and Daily Telegraph newspapers.
Housing
Many of the former warehouses have been transformed into luxury flats. This is an example of gentrification. Low-cost housing has also been built along with the renovation of older council-owned properties.
