Case study: Liverpool's inner city

Question 1

Explain why the inner city went into social and economic deprivation

Answer 1

• Docks became too shallow for large container ships
• Machinery reduced the need for labour
• Trade with Europe became more important than trade with the USA, the main ports opened on the west coast.
• Large companies like Tate and Lyle closed their factories
• Abandoned docks and dereliction turned off investors

Question 2

List three indicators displaying the decline of the inner city

Answer 2

Average household income: Kirkdale £24,000, Average £29,000
Children in poverty: Kirkdale 48%, Average 31%
All crime per 1000 peoples: Kirkdale 118/1000, Average 99/1000

Question 3

What is reurbanisation?

Answer 3

Reurbanisation is the movement of people back into the urban area, often caused by urban regeneration.

Question 4

Discuss reurbanisation in Liverpool

Answer 4

-1971 to 1991 inner city population decreased from 3,600 t0 2,340.
-Currently, the population is over 12,000 thanks to the efforts of the Merseyside Development Corporation.
The MDC directed its efforts at dockland areas like Albert Dock, the Marina and Queen’s Dock.
-17,000 new jobs and 4,000 new houses were created.

Question 5

What is gentrification?

Answer 5

the process of renewal and rebuilding accompanying the influx of middle-class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displaces poorer residents

Question 6

Discuss gentrification in Liverpool

Answer 6

• Areas once working class, like Paradise Street, Toxteth, Granby Street are now host to higher income groups who see it as trendy to live there.
• Their presence drives up house prices, but the new jobs and cost of services/goods here drive the original residents out creating conflict.