urban change - Birmingham(Longbridge + Dubai) section A (P2)

Question 1

How is the UK’s population distributed?

Answer 1

The UK’s population distribution is uneven
- high population densities in urban areas like London
- lower densities in rural areas, particularly in northern Scotland and upland areas.

Question 2

Name some major cities in the UK

Answer 2

• London
• Birmingham
• Leeds
• Glasgow
• Sheffield
• Liverpool
• Manchester
• Bristol
• Cardiff
• Belfast

Question 3

describe the growth of UK cities

Answer 3

- 1800’s there was an industrial revolution
- major cities like Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow grew rapidly as a result of the rural to urban migration
- this lead to urbanisation.

- 20th century
- deindustrialisation took place
- urban to rural migration
- industry decline and growth of commuter settlements in rural areas

- 21st century
- regeneration in deprived areas
- leads to inward migration
- young people living in cities (studentification)
- better services and technology increased city growth

Question 4

How might the population distribution of the UK change?

Answer 4

• General drift towards the south east of England (London)
• There has been an increase in the number of migrants entering the UK and settling in large cities
• Movement of people from urban to rural areas with larger numbers of older people retiring to the countryside or coast and commuter settlements being set up on the RUF

Question 5

Where is Birmingham located?

Answer 5

Birmingham is located in the West Midlands region of England.

Question 6

What is the international importance of Birmingham ?

Answer 6

• rated among the top 15 best cities in Europe to locate a business
• international transport connections through Birmingham airport
• large employers such as BBC, Deutsche bank, JLR and Severn Trent
• high rates of migration into the city (in 2015 1.1 million from 187 different nations)

Question 7

What is the National importance of Birmingham ?

Answer 7

• uks second largest city
• 5 major Uni’s with over 90,000 students from across the globe
• transport connections through the M5, M6, M40, M42
• over 60,000 work in leisure and tourism industries
• home to 31,000 companies

Question 8

How has migration affected the the city of Birmingham?

Answer 8

One of the most culturally diverse cities in the UK.
Migration has given Birmingham a rich cultural heritage, and the successful formation of multi-cultural communities.
This can be seen through restaurants (Chinatown, Balti triangle), cultural events (Diwali celebrations)

Question 9

What is ethnic segregation?

Answer 9

People from a particular ethnic background will often live in an area of the city, separate from other groups

Question 10

How have urban changes created opportunities for Birmingham environment

Answer 10

1. Urban greening:
Birmingham is one of the greenest cities in Europe, with over 500 parks and open spaces, including the Botanical Gardens.
Birmingham has put forward the ‘Birmingham green Vision’ plan to :
- plant trees and urban greenways
- Green roofs and walls
- Enhance walkways and cycleways
- Develop parks and recreational spaces
- Encourage walking, cycling and outdoor leisure activities

regeneration - regenerating brownfield sites such as Longbridge to make the city more attractive and reduce urban sprawl.

sustainable transport - clean air zones, cycle lanes, electric buses and metro trams.(reduces air pollution, noise pollution and reduces carbon emissions)

eco friendly architecture - E.g. the new library has rainwater harvesting and natural ventilation.(promotes sustainability and reduces energy use)

Question 11

Define ‘integrated transport’?

Answer 11

Linked traffic management schemes that provide a ‘door to door’ service to try to rival the use of a car

Question 12

Give some examples of the cultural mix opportunities created by urban growth in Birmingham

Answer 12

• China Town - vibrant Chinese culture e.g. restaurants.
• eastern European migration has increased the variety of restaurants and cuisines
• a wide range of places of worship such as mosques, temples, churches, and gurdwaras reflect Birmingham’s multicultural population.

Question 13

Give some examples of the recreation and entertainment opportunities created by urban growth in Birmingham

Answer 13

• Birmingham Hippodrome, museums and art galleries, as well as the NIA, NEC and ICC bring in tourists.
• The Bullring is one of the biggest shopping centres in Europe.
• Birmingham has the most Michelin star restaurants outside of London
• Villa park and saint Andrews park football stadium

Question 14

Give some examples of the employment opportunities created by urban growth in Birmingham

Answer 14

• Birmingham University has a BioHub for medical research, as well as having an Innovation Campus, providing quaternary employment opportunities.

*Five universities, with over 90,000 students, makes Birmingham a young and vibrant city.

*good transport systems allow workers to travel from commuter settlements from outside the city

Question 15

Give some examples of integrated transport systems in Birmingham that are an opportunity for the city

Answer 15

Grand Central Station
Turning New Street station into a world-class station
Large concourse with more commercial facilities
Improving links with surrounding areas
Improving the physical environment

HS2
This high speed rail will cut journey times from Birmingham to London from 1 hour 21 minutes to 49 minutes.

Question 16

What was the reason for urban deprivation in Birmingham?

Answer 16

SPIRAL OF DECLINE:

• Declining industry has led to brownfield sites, which have fallen into dereliction. This creates urban deprivation, where a spiral of decline results from this loss of industry.
• In 2015, Birmingham was ranked the third most deprived city in England, with most deprivation heavily clustered around the city centre.

Question 17

What is urban deprivation?

Answer 17

Urban deprivation refers to areas within cities where residents experience lower QOL due to a lack of access to basic services, opportunities, or resources.

Question 18

What is URBAN SPRAWL? and what effect has it had on Birmingham?

Answer 18

Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of a city into surrounding areas

*In 2015, Birmingham needed 89,000 new homes, but the city only had space for 51,000. This means building on brownfield or greenfield sites.
Brownfield sites can be expensive to build on as they require clearing first.
Building on greenfield sites is often cheaper, but has long term environmental implications, as it often uses farmland or countryside. This leads to urban sprawl, with corresponding problems such as congestion and air pollution.
* In the past 10 years, 42,000 people have moved from the centre to the outskirts of Birmingham, with daily commuters reaching 200,000. This puts huge pressure on transport and the environment.

Question 19

What is the spiral of decline?

Answer 19

A series of negative events that happen as a result of the loss of industry in an area

Question 20

What is Birmingham aiming to do to solve their environmental issues?

Answer 20

Recycling Centres – Recycling is collected and taken to one of five recycling centres across the city
Energy Recovery– Birmingham’s ERF (energy recovery facility) takes 350,000 tonnes of rubbish per year and converts it to electricity.
However, this process releases a huge amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Question 21

Define deindustrialisation?

Answer 21

The decline of manufacturing industries

Question 22

What environmental issues is Birmingham facing?

Answer 22

Air pollution
While pollution levels dropped after factories closed, many industrial sites were left contaminated.
high number of vehicles releases nitrous oxide into the atmosphere.

Waste Disposal
In 2015, only 30% of Birmingham’s waste was recycled
this decreased to 22.5% in 2021 despite a target of 40% by 2026
Birmingham has the lowest recycling rates in the UK (Birminghams rates are decreasing despite the UK’s rates increasing)

Question 23

What is a brownfield site?

Answer 23

Land that has previously been used, often by industry, that is now abandoned. They are commonly found in inner city areas.

Question 24

What are the advantages of building on brownfield sites?

Answer 24

• Land is often cheaper than other inner city land as it is on derelict land
• Often many sites are available after loss of industry
• may encourage new investment
• infrastructure is already in place (street lamps, sewage, water etc)
• protects green field sites and reduces urban sprawl
• makes a city look more attractive

Question 25

What are the **disadvantages** of building on **brownfield** sites?

Answer 25

* Clean up costs due to contamination of the area from previous industry. * Old buildings may need to be knocked down

Question 26

What **environmental** problems does Birmingham face as a result of urban growth?

Answer 26

1. Pollution & waste management 2. Dereliction (increase in brownfield sites) 3. Building on greenfield sites 4. Urban sprawl

Question 27

What is a **greenfield** site?

Answer 27

An area of land, often in the countryside or the edge of a city, that has not yet been built on.

Question 28

What are the **advantages** of building on greenfield sites?

Answer 28

* Land is free from building so no demolition needs to happen * Land is cheaper as it is further away from the city centre * bigger areas of land so more availability

Question 29

What are the **disadvantages** of building on greenfield sites?

Answer 29

* Valuable farm land may be lost * Animals habitats are destroyed (reduces biodiversity) * Poor transport links as it is futher from the city centre * urban sprawl

Question 30

What is the **green belt**?

Answer 30

A area of open space around a city on which there are strict planning laws to prevent development of this land intended to prevent urban sprawl maintain urban greening

Question 31

What are the **disadvantages** of urban sprawl?

Answer 31

1. **increased taxes** - taxes will be used to pay for infrastructure such as roads and water works. 2. **Increased traffic** in the area leads to more congestion and pollution. 3. ​**Environmental issues** - green space is lost which means habitats are lost. 4. **Impact on social lives** - new communities often live further from other communities which can cause isolation. ​

Question 32

What is the **rural-urban fringe**?

Answer 32

The area of green space that borders the edge of the city

Question 33

Why are people concerned about building on **greenfield** sites?

Answer 33

* It encourages urban sprawl * Derelict land could be used instead to improve inner city areas * It takes up precious green space (reduces urban greening) * can damage ecosystems (reduce biodiversity)

Question 34

What is a **commuter settlement**?

Answer 34

towns or villages in the RUF or countryside, where many people live but travel to work in a nearby city or larger town.

Question 35

Define **sustainability**

Answer 35

Meeting the needs of the current population without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

Question 36

What are the key elements of sustainability?

Answer 36

**ENVIRONMENTAL**: The environment is not damaged​ **ECONOMIC**: Resources e.g. water and energy are allocated fairly and jobs are secure) **SOCIAL**: Strong sense of community (local people are involved in local decisions)​

Question 37

Explain two reasons why a city can be seen to be **unsustainable**

Answer 37

* **They consume enormous quantities of resources** e.g. water, energy, food and raw materials. * **They produce enormous amounts of waste**. This is usually got rid of in the surrounding land, rivers, sea and air.

Question 38

How might you **conserve** the environment in a city? ## Footnote *(HINT: historic environment and natural environment)*

Answer 38

* **Historic**: repurposing old indistrial buildings to maintain the history (reduces use of greenfield sites) * **Natural**: more renewable electricity, collect and recycle water (instead of piping it in from reservoirs), run fuel-efficient public transport systems.

Question 39

List ways to improve a city’s **sustainability**

Answer 39

1. Provide green space 2. Recycling water 3. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels 4. rethinking transport options 5. Involving local communities and providing a range of employment 6. Conserving cultural, historical and environmental sites and buildings 7. Minimising the use of greenfield sites by using brownfield sites instead.

Question 40

How do **open spaces** help make a city more **sustainable**?

Answer 40

They act like ‘green lungs’ reducing its impact on the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. (carbon stores)

Question 41

Explain how urban living can be made more sustainable?

Answer 41

* Involve local people in decisions * Encouragement and availability of recycling waste facilities. * Encourage people to generate their own electricity (e.g. solar panels) * urban greening * Encourage people to use less water / recycle

Question 42

why did Birmingham need regeneration?

Answer 42

During Britain’s industrialisation period, the **West Midlands developed as a major industrial area**, with Birmingham know as **‘the city of thousand trades’.** From the 1970s, increasing competition from abroad **(outsourcing and globalisation)** lead to **deindustrialisation**, with a decline in jobs in industrial and commercial areas. This led to job losses and the **spiral of decline.**

Question 43

What is Birmingham's **'Big city plan'**?

Answer 43

Birmingham’s Big City Plan is the proposal to transform five areas of Birmingham by 2030: **Westside: (libary)** Mixed use/commercial space New library of Birmingham 4 star hotel with 250 rooms **Snow Hill: (elaines office)** 200,000 offices Improved public spaces and transport links 4,000 new homes Creation of 10,000 jobs **Eastside: (the dirt area on route into birmingham by train)** HS2 station will be built Development of Birmingham City University City park and recreational facilities 2,000 new homes Creation of over 30,000 jobs **New Street Station** Turning New Street station into a world-class station Large concourse with more commercial facilities Improving links with surrounding areas Improving the physical environment

Question 44

what happened to Longbridge?

Answer 44

At its peak, Longbridge produced over a third of a million cars for MG rover in 1965, employing 25,000 people. - it was symbol of Birmingham's industrial power - This site was closed in 2005, due to deindustrialisation, outsourcing and automation. The aim is to bring the brownfield site back to life, by building 2000 new homes and creating 1000 jobs.

Question 45

What is the Longbridge regeneration plan?

Answer 45

**Longbridge Regeneration** - The plan aims to completely regenerate the former MG Rover car plant site on southern edge of Birmingham. The plan includes: A technology park with an innovation centre for small technology businesses A £70 million town centre with large national stores Hotel, restaurants, and leisure developments Bourneville College – a £66 million learning facility Office spaces Residential developments Large industrial and warehousing facilities.

Question 46

What were the **success's** of Longbridge regeneration?

Answer 46

**Economic + social** - £70 million new town centre with a range of new stores - 2000 new homes + 1000 new jobs - New hotels, leisure activities + £5 million youth centre, £66 million technology park and new college, new offices - easy road access + rebuilt train station **Environmental** - 3 new green parks - brownfield site has reduced the need for greenfield sites to be used - reduced risk of flooding from urban greening

Question 47

What were the **Failures** of Longbridge regeneration?

Answer 47

nearby shops lost income due to the new competition from Longbridge local home owners suffering from price rises and people being evicted (gentrification*) *Gentrification - the process whereby the character of a poor urban area is changed by wealthier people moving in, improving housing, and attracting new businesses, often displacing current inhabitants in the process.

Question 48

what has been the impact on Birmingham from the Universities

Answer 48

between 2009 and 2015 361,000 people moved into Birmingham where as 411,000 moved out. This is a result of commuter settlements setting up outside of Birmingham and the influx in migration as a result of free healthcare, better standard of living and the Universities. however, this has lead to studentification. This is the process of more student accommodation and more young people living in an area because of the universities.

Question 49

Describe the positive and negative impacts of **studentification**

Answer 49

**positives** younger population who want a job this improves the economy more diverse cultures **negatives** Late night noise increase in number of fast food places and pubs people living in rented accommodation so they care less for the area poorly maintained gardens and parks less control leading to derelict areas. all the older generations leave the city.

Question 50

advantages of regeneration

Answer 50

Job creation Improvements to the living environment Increased economic output and tax revenue Beautification Increased leisure facilities

Question 51

disadvantages of regeneration

Answer 51

Houses become unaffordable for existing residents, forcing them to leave Gentrification Increased noise pollution Increased air pollution Increased congestion

Question 52

Define **urban regeneration**

Answer 52

Urban regeneration is improving an area which has previously been in decline.

Question 53

Describe an example of a **Sustainable city**

Answer 53

**Dubai's sustainable city** a purpose built eco friendly development located about 18 miles out from Dubai's city centre. home to 2,700 residents in 500 villas it is designed to be: - net zero - using solar panels on every building - a car free zone which encourages walking and cycling (electric buggies and electric cars are available) - waste water is recycled and treated sewage water is used for irrigation - strict recycling programmes

Question 54

What were the **success's ** of Dubai's sustainable city?

Answer 54

**Environmental** - waste bioproducts used as statues / features. - fruit trees which filter water, grow fruit and provide shade - a 50% reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional cities - villas orientated in to the shade to conserve energy - 58% decrease in water consumption due to water recycling techniques such as black and grey(reusable) water usage **Economic** - 40,000 solar panel leads to a 40% reduction on utility bills **social** - a strong sense of community through shared spaces and communal activities - 11 biodome green houses and 3,000 square metres of urban farming plots for residents to grow crops. encourages healthier lifestyle

Question 55

What were the **Failures ** of Dubai's sustainable city?

Answer 55

- being in a dessert causes the dust and high temperatures to reduce the efficiency of the solar panels - there is also a high resource demand and the city will be heavily dependant on air imports(increases food/product miles = increased carbon emissions) - Expensive (cheapest villa is 1 million dollars) hasn't actually reached net zero - no fresh water sources - desalination (removing salt from water) has a high carbon footprint - no green spaces or playing fields - lack of cultural norm such as religious necessities