Section A- Urban issues and challenges- UK Flashcards
(43 cards)
Where are most major cities distributed
In central areas of UK such as Birmingham, London and Liverpool- they all have a large population density
What problems can an uneven spread of the population cause?
Jobs, opportunities and services being concentrated in one area. Rural areas wont have them as easily accessible. Better education by living near cities with better opportunities alongside it. Rural economy will lose people for their jobs.
Name chosen case study city
Birmingham
Describe the location of Birmingham
The West Midlands region in England at 150-300m above sea level
Describe importance of Birmingham in the UK and the wider
world
Many motorways run through Birmingham, increasing access to the city and its centre. For example, the M6 is found North of the city and M5 junction linking Midlands and South West. Birmingham’s international airport is located 8 miles from the city centre.,
How many visitors does Birmingham have a year and what is its population
37.2 million visitors and a growing population of 1.1 million
Describe the importance of Birmingham
First steam engine invented
Drawing international investment away from London
£200 million investment into new HSBC head quarters in Centenary square.
Main cause of immigration between 1950’s and 1990’s
Post war common-wealth immigration after ww2
Main cause of modern day immigration in the city
Nationalities such as those from the middle east who are currently experiencing conflict seeking asylum in Birmingham.
Describe distribution of ethnic groups in Birmingham
Most white ethnic groups are found on the outskirts- yardley whereas non white ethnic groups found in the centre
Impact on migration on growth and character on the city
Significantly increased population
Provides cultural experiences
Business opportunities such as the ‘balti triangle’
Positives and negatives on ethnicity distrubution
Safe surrounded by similar people, no language barrier, racial diversity and place of worship.
Friction between different groups, changes British society, more competition, not enough space.
Socially and economically how has urban change created opportunities
Cultural mix, recreation and entertainment, employment, integrated transport systems due to population increase.
Environmentally how has urban change created opportunities
Urban greening
Demolish brown sites and turn them into open parks ( birminghams east side)
Green roofs and green walls and maintain existing green spaces and introduce micro scale ecosystems
example of recreation and entertainment opportunities
Symphony hall- students, attract more people to uni and jobs
Library- education, book and computer access
How has the integrated transport system helped Birmingham
People can get to work easier and quicker, provide jobs, cheaper travel expense, more people using public transport
Explain the integrated transport system in birmingham
Tram links Birmingham to outlying areas such as west bromich- reduces congestion and traffic into city centre and reduces co2 emissions
3 major stations, lowers need for car parking, recently developed new street= more appealing
2 ring roads, encouraged to use middle ring road which is further away from centre
How has pedestrianisation improved birmingham
Main shopping area around bullring and new street is pedestrianized which allows for safer shopping, reduces urban traffic level in inner city.i
Socially and economically how has urban change created challenges
Urban deprivation, inequalities in housing, education, health and employment
Environmentally how has urban change created challenges
Dereliction, building on brownfield and greenfield sites, waste disposal
How can the social and economic issues lead to urban decline following deindustrialisation
unemployment causes people to become resigned or depressed about their situation which lowers their aspirations which causes weaker achievements at school = less skilled work force.
Lack of education= unemployment which causes factories and businesses to relocate or shut down which leads to derelict buildings which lowers living conditions and encourages crime.
How has Birmingham tried to overcome its derelict sites issue
Business opportunity to refurbish them into housing or offices
Define a brown field site
A previously developed piece of land now available for re-development
Define a green field site
An undeveloped piece of land with proposed first time development
