London: CASE STUDY urban challenges in the UK Flashcards
Where is London located?
SE England on River Thames; tidal navigable river so became a port; lowest bridging point for Roman city.
Why did London grow?
New docks built through 18thC. Centre of trade and commerce grew; developed thriving manufacturing industry attracting more people; port declined but remains main hub of UK transport network for national and global connections.
What is London’s national and international importance?
UK capital; hosts government; UK’s largest and wealthiest city; widening gap between London and rest of UK; a world city…important financial centre; HQ of major TNCs; Iconic buildings like Shard
How has London’s population changed?
8.6million in 2015; previous peak in 1939. Population grew in 19thC due to migrants seeking employment in factories; 2WW pop fell after Blitz; pop grew again from 1991 due to natural increase…young migrants having children.
Why did London docklands decline? Economic and social challenges:
new container ships too large for the original dock facilities; docks closed and lying derelict by 1980. Industries closed too. Port moved nearer sea.
How have new industries grown? Economic opportunities:
1981 govt set up LDDC to regenerate docks. Finding new private investment to create new opportunities and jobs to replace those lost. Canary Wharf high rise office blocks now houses international banks. But biggest growth was in service jobs (law, accountancy, market research, consultancy etc), manufacturing continued to decline.
What are the challenges for transport in London?
London has an integrated transport system i.e transport types are linked; but struggling to cope with increased passenger numbers and rising pop. Limited car parking and traffic congestion. 75 millions used underground and buses 2014; Growing every year.
What opportunities does Crossrail provide for transport in London? Challenges and opportunities for transport.
Crossrail due to open 2018. Links east and west London through to Reading. Tunnel under city. reducing journey times and increase number of passengers who can commute into London within 45mins. Raise property values; improve integrated transport system by adding links to underground; encourage regeneration, improve disabled access.
How much of London is “green”? Urban greening is an environmental opportunity.
47% is green space including parks, woodlands, cemeteries and gardens. 8 royal parks.
What benefits are there of having a green city? environmental opportunity
trees produce oxygen and filter out pollutants and noise; reduce flooding; provide wildlife habitats; provide recreation for people; provide allotment space to grow food.
How can London be made greener? environmental challenge
Urban greening: 700 rooftop green spaces; individual actions - feeding birds, not paving over gardens; larger scale - connecting green spaces, canals, rivers to allow wildlife breeding and migration.
How does deprivation vary across London?
A lot! Social deprivation is a major problem across the 33 boroughs. Life expectancy and people on benefits varies a great deal across the city.
Why is inequality a challenge in London? social challenges:
Wealth divide, house prices, life expectancy and educational attainment still vary widely despite economic success. (e.g life expectancy East London 78yrs; Knightsbridge 90 years)
Why is there a housing shortage? socio-economic challenges:
Population growing by natural increase; too few houses being built, just 20,000 a year. Result is house prices rise.
What are the issues about building on brownfield sites? these are a mix of costs and benefits:
sites available since industry declined; reduces urban sprawl; public transport better; old buildings need to be demolished first; new development improves environment, land is more expensive in urban areas.
