changing places case studies Flashcards
bristol
changing demographic
Flows of people can change any of the demographic characteristics of a place. In Bristol, large numbers of students are concentrated in areas such as Cabot during term time. This is due to the 2 universities, and the benefits offered from living close by such as part time education, accommodation, shops and nightlife. The student population in Bristol increased by over 10,000 between 2001 and 2011.
Flows of money and investment by either governments or businesses can change the demographic characteristics of a place. Over the last 30 years, Bristol harbour side has received £300 million of inward investment, largely from lottery funds and Lloyds bank. It is now seen as a new creative headquarter with leisure facilities, housing and offices. 3000 new jobs were created, and many, particular younger people were encouraged to move to the area.
bristol
cultural characteristics
People moving into a place often bring their culture with them. Bristol is currently home to 45 religious and 91 languages, due to large amounts of international in migration. St Paul’s carnival is an annual celebration of African-Caribbean culture, diversity, creativity and vibrance, which has now been running for 50 years in Bristol.
Other elements of Bristol’s culture include theatres and music venues such as the Old Vic and Tobacco Factory. Both of these buildings represent aspects of Bristol’s past; the Old Vic is the oldest continuously working theatre in the English speaking world, and a popular heritage destination whilst the Tobacco factory isa creative, mixed-use community building that is a model of urban regeneration.
Along with many other UK cities, Bristol could be thought to be at risk of homogenisation due to external flows. For example, the increasing number of chain shops and restaurants in Cabot circus could mean that Bristol is losing its sense of place. In contrast, architecture, museums and the original feel of Bristol are still thriving, suggesting that it is still unique.
bristol
social inequalities
Bristol’s population, like many urban areas, shows great variation between different areas. In particular there are social inequalities between Filwood and Stoke Bishop.
bristol
lived experiences past and present
Connections between places in their past help shape their character in their present. Bristol orinially developed by prospering on slave trade. In the 18th century, Bristol was the principle British port for trade with the American Colonies and West Indies. Manufactured goods would be shipped from Bristol and tobacco, rum and cocoa would be returned. These imports fuelled the developments of industries such as sugar refining, chocolate and cigarette making, and the city became very wealthy.
therefore ethnic minorities oppressed/abused whereas now celebrated, e.g. st pauls carnival
gentrification at bristol harbouside
bristol
media
bristol skyline in watercolour by pablo romero demonstrates artistic, diverse nature of bristol but also historic architecture
newham
locale
Newham is strongly associated as the home of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
newham
location
The London borough of Newham is located in the east of the city.
newham
sense of place
Stratford is now a dynamic hub and a major commercial and retail centre. Its sense of place has changed dramatically due to its regeneration
newham
past lived experience
In the 19th century, it was an industrial suburb famous for its rail works and heavy industries, however in the 20th century it began to decline due to overseas competition. It was then heavily bombed in WW2. Prior to its regeneration, Newham’s was a low skill, semi-neglected areaof high unemployment. It was one of the poorest and most deprived areas of London.
newham
economic characteristics and change
The games gave Newham a much-needed boost to the tourist industry, with half a million visitors attending the games. By 2020, the economic impact of the games is estimated to be between £28-41 billion in Gross Value Added.
newham
social characteristics and inequalities
Not all impacts of the regeneration of Newham have been good. There has also been relocation, polarisation and fragmentation. Newham Borough Council relocated many residents of tower blocks prior to the games, claiming they were unsafe due to health risks from asbestos. Some argued that this was a form of ‘social cleansing’. This is the removal of members from an area who are of a social class considered to be ‘undesirable’.
newham
changing demographic and social characteristics
In Newham, the population of 20-64 year olds grew by 22,900 between 2009 and 2011. In particular, Green Street West grew by 15.3%. This is a newly regenerated area in close proximity to West field shopping centre and the Olympic park.
Between 2005 and 2013, £9 billion of private investment was pumped into Newham, as a result of the 2012 Olympic Games being announced. 8000 homes and 42,000 jobs were creating. This investment made the area much more desirable.
In addition, the £35 million University Square Stratford was built, a new major campus for the area. ‘Lend lease’ played a huge role in developing new homes and a commercial district.
newham
cultural characteristics
Recent regeneration means the area has access to a wide range of sports with state of the art facilities. Newham has a very low White British population, so an advantage of the games was that social cohesion could be promoted in one of the most culturally diverse communities in the UK.
newham
media
‘london’s olympic park before and after’ news article
past and present lived experiences
residents
source: LSE british politics and policy
past: “The area had been known for its negative image”
present: “It’s had a positive knock on effect for youngsters. It’s inspiring. I think the Olympics has made them take pride in their borough.”
