Raval District Flashcards
Location
Seperated into North + South District
In barcelona
Why needed rebranding
Was industrial, polluted, densely populated as there were many textile factories, brick making abattoirs in small streets
- people would have been living in tenement blocks (slum conditons)
Why south needed rebranding
South of Raval was close to port - first place immigrants would arrive + live in cheap housing ‘Barrio Chino’ of city - drug dealing, illegal activities
Approaches to rebranding in North
Flagship project - museum, art galleries, bars - built to show culture + have international reputation (wealthier people)
In southern Raval
Still run - down poor conditions (graffiti) - lack of regeneration in some areas
Regeneration:
knocked down buildings to create boulevard of trees to attract people to green space (Raval Rambler) + cat statue
Built hotel from priv investment - Flagship building to show area changing + show South has had investment
Conflict over rebranding
Conflict between tourists + locals - most of flagship developments built for wealthy tourists (bring money into area)
but can mean that residents excluded from facilities + (cant afford to use them)
Wealthy tourists in area means raised prices - not helpful locals who are poorer
Conflict between residents:
Area where have seen gentrification (wealthy people invade low income area + refurbish) - weath may not have same priorities as long-term residents, property prices may increase - residents may have to leave + landlords put pressure on them - forced out as do not have enough money - loses cultural diversity
Positives
Crime decreased
Employment increased
Health benefits increased (less pollution)
But household income in Raval is one of lowest in Barcelona - still poor
North - south divide : north regenerated but south still associated with crime
