Lesson 7- Urban Policy and Regeneration in Britain since 1979 Flashcards
Urban Resergence
Refers to regeneration, both economic and structural of an urban area which has suffered a period of decline
seen a lot in recent years as redevelopment schemes make cities more attractive
-can be considered as a solution to the negative impacts associated with urban decline
Urban renewal
Refers to when buildings are knocked down and completely rebuilt
Regeneration
Generally refers to the attempt to improve the physical strcuture of existing infrastructure
What is urban policy?
Relates to the strategies chosen by local or central government to manage the development of urban areas and reduce urban problems
Urban Development Corporations (UDC’s)
- Set up in the 80’s to tackle de-industrialisation; property led regeneration
- Intention was the private investment would be 4 to 5 times bigger than public investment
UDC weaknesses
- Quality and type of jobs created have failed to address the existing socioeconomic issues of the area
- Too dependant on property speculation, could go down
- Locals feel they have no involvement
CASE STUDY URBAN POLICY-UDC in Lower Don Valley
- NE of Sheffield City Centre
- Next to M1
- boarders rotherham
Why was regeneration needed in Lower Don Valley?
- Brownfield site- de-industrialised
- Deprived
- High crime rate
How did the SDC redevelop Lower Don Valley
- Meadowhall followed due to regeneration- built on brownfield sites
- IKEA- 480 jobs, 90% of new team from local area
- Centertainment- 1.8 million visits annually
Positives of the SDC regeneration
- Reclaimed 600 acres of former industrial land which had become brownfield sites
- Attracted £680 million of private investment
- Created 18,000 new jobs
Weaknesses of the SDC regeneration
- Many of the unemployed factory workers did not have the transferable skills in the service sector, and therefore remained unemployed
- Sheffield City Airport has failed to attract commercial airlines because of it short runway and competition from Robin Hood Airport in Doncaster
- Argue Meadowhall destroyed Sheffield City Centre (led to decentralisation)
How was the character of Lower Don Valley affected?
- Towers that fell symbolised the fallen industry of Sheffield
- many have negatively effected society as they may have perceived them as a monument
CASE STUDY OF URBAN POLICY-Partnership Scheme Park Hill Flats
- English Heritage and Urban Splash (private sector)
- Modernised,better facilities and cladding which is prettier
Weaknesses of Park Hill regeneration
- Gentrification has forced original working class residents out
- Social tension caused from high housing prices as a two bedroom flats are starting in mid 2015 at £147,000
