3.2.3.1 Urban Resurgence

Question 1

What is urban resurgence?

Answer 1

This is 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 causes of urban resurgence in the UK?

Answer 2

1. Gentrification and regeneration schemes have made city living more attractive. This is particularly true former industrial cities in the UK which suffered decline in 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.
3. This process has resulted in changing the urban landscapes. Urban redevelopment schemes have transformed run down areas rebranding them as fashionable “quarters” e.g. Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham.
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 3

What is a positive impact of urban resurgence?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What are some negative impacts of urban resurgence?

Answer 4

• Greater pressure is put on urban infrastructure so some residents may be displaced as house prices rise
• Increasing inequality between the rich and the poor

Question 5

What was deindustrialisation?

Answer 5

This is the loss of jobs in the manufacturing sector which occurred in the UK in the 2nd half of the 20th century

Question 6

Explain The USA`s experience e.g. New York, Boston and Los Angeles

Answer 6

-Causes of decline:
1950s onwards: huge population decline in urban areas as families moved to the suburbs
Accompanied by loss of manufacturing and retailing from “downtown” areas leading to the “dead heart syndrome”

-Causes of Resurgence:
The resurgence began in the 1990s.
Period of sustained national economic growth leading to successful regeneration schemes
More attractive urban design.
Young people remain in cities even when they start a family
Older people who had left return to the city to be closer to urban services.

Question 7

Explain evidence of resurgence: The New York City High Line

Answer 7

• This is a 1.5 mile long section of elevated rail track which had been abandoned and then redeveloped in the 2000s as an elevated park and walkway
• It is a site for artistic commissions and cultural events, attracting 5 million visitors annually
• This has had a knock-on effect for local shops and cafes and real estate development has been encouraged in the area

Question 8

What is dead-heart syndrome?

Answer 8

This is the result of loss of manufacturing and retailing from the “Downtown” areas of cities which leave a “dead heart”