LIVERPOOL case study Flashcards
What type of regeneration was it?
Tourism, Heritage and Retail led regeneration
Why was there a need for regeneration? (evidence needed)
- the Docks were in massive economic decline as it used to be the primary function of the area but in the 21st century companies are not as dependent on these docks.
- due to increased unemployment crime became rife in the area and needed to be managed more efficiently, especially the race riots in Toxteth which injured 468 police officers in 1981
Who were the stakeholders involved in the regeneration?
- the central government allocated funding for the scheme and have influence over what the focus of the scheme should be
- the European Union because they declared the area as Capital City of Culture in 2008
- the United Nations (UNESCO) because they declared the Albert Docks as a world heritage site
- local businesses sought to have an increase in customers without losing their property to increased rent prices
What conflicts occurred between the stakeholders?
-over gentrification of the area would mean that local businesses would have to compete with large brands, to Trade Unions and Chambers of Commerce this would be a concern as small businesses couldn’t cope, but larger organisations would support this due to increased tax. Could also push lower income families out of the area
What was done for the economy, people and environment?
SOCIAL
-being awarded CCC in 2008 and the docks becoming a world Heritage Site meant that there was an increase in tourism (30% rise) to the area benefiting local businesses as 4 million tourists arrived every year spending money in their services and shops meaning more tax was payed to the government to be reinvested into services increasing QOL (PME)
ECONOMIC
-£4 million spent on the city centre increasing infrastructure quality enabling the city to compete with other major cities in terms of retail abundance flagship
-increased opportunities in the area as £5 billion was spent on regenerating the waterfront to provide homes, offices, hotels and retail/leisure services. This benefited the economy and the people living in the area as well as the local economy
ENVIRONMENTAL
-builds onto the aquatic ecosystems negatively.
-Built environment thrives due to increased spending
What was done to rebrand the area?
- wanted to focus on the fact the Beatles were from Liverpool and reimaging the area into an inviting cultural community where everyone is welcome. This was mainly to counteract the negative informal perception created by the race riots in Toxteth.
- improved the image of the university focusing on the improved public transport to cause studentification and attract young professionals to the area
- rebranding was essential to promote the wealth being accumulated in the area and attract further investment
Was the regeneration a success? (evidence needed)
Economic:
• Liverpool was declared a UNESCO world heritage site reflecting its historic importance as a trading site. This promotes the area on an international scale and therefore creates a proportionate rise in tourism from all over the world. (9% increase in overnight stays is implicit of visitors coming from greater distances)
• The location of two premier league football teams has meant that the success of regeneration has been sustained as it guarantees the movement of people into the area throughout the year.
• Liverpool shopping centre and the paradise project has been one of the largest flagship projects with all £1 billion of funds being raised from the private sector and which has established over 160 stores such as Ralph Lauren. This has meant that a vast proportion of the threshold population now work in tertiary employment compared to Liverpool’s economy previously lending itself towards the industrial secondary sector of the twentieth century. Inevitably, these jobs often pay more and hence generates a greater tax revenue for the government. It has also meant Liverpool can compete with other major cities like London and Manchester.
• However, local businesses have faced increased competition from related industries that are of a much larger scale. And therefore, local chambers of commerce may argue that the scheme hasn’t been entirely successful as it has forced many smaller enterprises to shut down.
Social:
• Liverpool university has created ample opportunities for younger generations, creating and educated and innovative population to facilitate the growing job market. This also means people are more qualified and hence can help to attract investment
• Culture has boomed and Liverpool is now a hotspot for visual arts, in particular that of the Beatles (e.g. the reimaging of Liverpool airport to John Lennon Airport and establishments like Tate Liverpool). This association with pop culture has led to the clustering and agglomeration of media and communication industries.
• The leisure activities and past times of residents has also been improved. For example, the Paradise project has not only provided shops and nightlife but also a day-to-day café culture. The location of premier league football teams also encourages physical activity in the area.
• However, the leisure/tourism dominated nature and partial studentification of Liverpool has meant that local services have begun to cater for a younger, more active lifestyle (education and night life). For the older residents, I believe this will reduce the benefits they reap. They’re often also heavily reliant on state pensions and therefore are likely to be forced out through a process of gentrification as they cannot alternate labour shortages but also cannot maintain a permanently high rent if solely reliant on state funds.
• Despite the heart of the city prospering in regeneration, a vast proportion of Liverpool’s wards not fall in the 10% most deprived areas, creating large social inequalities and exacerbating the gap between the rich and the poor. This is further coupled by a housing affordability crisis meaning many residents can no longer sustain a city lifestyle and so have had to relocate to cheaper wards.
Environment:
• The regeneration has catalysed the revival of the built environment. For example, the previously derelict land in the Albert Dockland areas has not been preserved through its status as a World Heritage Site, preventing widespread urban decay.
• The preservation of the dockland area has helped to sustain aquatic ecosystems in the area and nearby water.
• However, the regeneration scheme, albeit economically and socially successful has done little for the environment. For example, the higher population density and improved accessibility has inevitably led to increased air pollution and noise. Despite these not being that noticeable for transient tourists, for the residents I believe this will have huge implications on their health and tranquillity, so under their criteria, I believe the scheme cannot fully constitute success.
- forms, perceptions seen by the government indicate increase in income and employment, therefore it was a success. However formal perceptions vary as many people felt pushed out of the area due to the increased affluence
