Park Hill Flats Example

Question 1

Where is Park Hill Flats located?

Answer 1

Sheffield, UK

Question 2

What topic is Park Hill Flats part of?

Answer 2

Urban issues

Question 3

What is Park Hill Flats an example of?

Answer 3

An example of an urban regeneration project to show:
- Reasons why the area needed regeneration.
- The main features of the project.

Question 4

Why was regeneration needed at Park Hill Flats?

Answer 4

• Block of flats were built in 1961.
• It became a ‘no-go area’ at night because it was so dangerous.
• Neglected properties were run down, infested with cockroaches, damp and had poor noise insulation.
• High levels of crime e.g. mugging due to poor lighting, drug use and dealing with burnt out cars and graffiti.
• Sheffield’s steel industry collapsed. This was the city’s biggest income employer. In 1984, unemployment in Sheffield was 15%.

Question 5

What are the positives of Park Hill Flats’ regeneration?

Answer 5

• The flats are no longer an eye sore but are landmark.
• It has become a high profile venue in Sheffield e.g. music festival.
• Now popular with the business community e.g. creative and digital sectors with 200 businesses on the site.
• The Scottish Queen pub, once one of the most dangerous pubs in the country, now hosts a range of exhibitions and workshops.

Question 6

What are the negatives of Park Hill Flats’ regeneration?

Answer 6

• Regeneration is slow with areas of the development still boarded up.
• Lots of the original residents wish to return to Park Hill but there are not enough flats for rent (less than a third).
• The cost of the regenerated flats has been criticised (£90,000 for a one bedroom flat) which is unaffordable for local people poorly paid or unemployed locals.