3231 - Urban Resurgence

Question 1

What is urban resurgence?

Answer 1

The economic and structural regeneration of an urban area which has suffered a period of decline. This can be initiated by redevelopment schemes.

Question 2

What are the first two causes of urban resurgence in the UK?

Answer 2

1. Gentrification and regeneration schemes have made city living more attractive. This is particularly true for industrial cities in the UK which suffered decline in the 70s and 80s this was caused by de-industrialisation.
2. They have reinvented themselves as cities of culture and commerce e.g London, Manchester and Leeds. This has attracted more university students, young professionals and migrant workers.

Question 3

Second two causes for urban resurgence?

Answer 3

3. The process of resurgence has resulted in changing the urban landscapes. Urban redevelopment schemes have transformed run down areas rebranding them as fashionable “quarters” e. Victoria Quarter in Leeds.
4. Resurgence can be driven by government led regeneration schemes and major sporting events e.g 2012 London Olympics and 2014 commonwealth games in Glasgow.

Question 4

What is a positive impact of urban resurgence?

Answer 4

The multiplier effect: the redevelopment sets up further improvements and attracts greater investment

Question 5

What is a negative effect of urban resurgence?

Answer 5

There is greater pressure on urban infrastructure so some residents may be displaced as house prices rise.

Question 6

URBAN RESURGENCE CASE STUDY: what three cities in the USA have suffered urban resurgence?

Answer 6

New York Boston and Los Angeles.

Question 7

URBAN RESURGENCE CASE STUDY: Why did the three cities suffer decline?

Answer 7

In the 1950s (and onwards) all three places suffered huge population decline as families moved out to the suburbs, accompanied by loss of manufacturing and retailing from downtown areas leading to the “dead heart syndrome”.

Question 8

URBAN RESURGENCE CASE STUDY: what were the causes of Resurgence?

Answer 8

The resurgence began in the 1990s

• a period of sustained national economic growth leading to successful regeneration schemes
• more attractive urban design
• Young people began to stay in cities even when they start a family
• older people who had left return to the city to be closer to urban services.

Question 9

URBAN RESURGENCE CASE STUDY: what is the evidence of resurgence?

Answer 9

• The New York City High Line - 1.5 mile long section of elevated rail track had been abandoned and then redeveloped in the 2000s as an elevated park and walk way
• it is a site for artistic commissions and cultural events attracting 5 million visitors annually. This has had a knock on affect for shops and cafes and real estate development has been encouraged in the area.