Urban Issues and Challenges in HICs Flashcards
What affects the location of UK cities?
Relief - most cities are found in low lying areas
Location along rivers and coasts for trade
How is the UK’s population distributed?
The south east is the most densely populated part of the UK, especially London. There is a higher density area in the midlands, with cities such as Sheffield and Birmingham. The north, Scotland, and Wales are less densely populated.
Why is the UK an example of a HIC?
The UK has a GNI per capita of £22,000/$28,800, more than the $12,736 needed for a HIC. There is a high proportion of people working in the tertiary and quaternary sector and a high life expectancy.
What are the different zones found in cities?
Central Business District - shops, entertainment, offices, main economic area
Inner city - factories and dense housing
Suburbs - larger houses and retail parks
Rural-urban fringe - estates and airports
Why is London important?
It is the capital, wealthiest, and most populous UK city. It is cosmopolitan, brings in lots of tourists, has good governance, and is ethnically diverse. It is a world city as one of the two most important financial centres (along with New York). There are world renowned universities and media facilities. It generates ~20% of the UK’s GDP.
Why did London grow?
It was the capital of the Roman colony in Britain and became a port along the Thames. New docks were built in the Victorian era, allowing for more trade and manufacturing, attracting new people.
Why is London the UK’s transport hub?
As London declined as a port, other transport likes were built. The UK’s roads focus on it e.g. the M4 to Cardiff sprouting off the M25. The same is true of trains. Heathrow and Gatwick, the UK’s two busiest airports, are in London.
How and why is foreign investment benefiting London?
Many of London’s buildings, such as the Shard, and football teams are owned by foreign investors. International migration work in high and low paid jobs, giving London money for infrastructure and general improvements.
How has London’s population changed over time?
It grew rapidly during the 19th century during the industrial revolution. It then shrunk during and after WW2, reaching a low point in 1980. Since then the population has increased again, partially because of EU migration, to ~9 million today.
How does London’s age demographics compare with the UK’s as a whole? Why?
London has a generally younger population compared to the UK. The most common age group is 25-29, compared to 45-49 in the UK. Young people migrate to London for high paying jobs and universities. Older people migrate away to avoid pollution and start families.
Describe London’s ethnic diversity
White UK - 45% White other - 15% South Asian - 12% Black - 13% Mixed - 5% Other - 3%
How has international migration changed London?
New shops and building styles
More languages spoken
More food types - Chinatown
More vibrant culture - Notting Hill carnival
Many international headquarters - Willis Group
How can national migration change a city?
New housing demand leads to urban sprawl and large housing estates
Out migration can cause the ‘doughnut effect’ where the inner city is left abandoned
How has urban change affected Shoreditch?
Thirty years ago, Shoreditch was a rundown inner city area. Many Bangladeshi families moved in. Shoreditch has now been gentrified and Bangladeshi families are moving away as rents rise. There are now creative industries, with the area around the Old Street roundabout nicknamed ‘Silicon Roundabout’. There is new entertainment: Spitalfields Market, fashionable places to shop around Brick Lane, and street art.
How has urban change affected the Docklands?
The Docklands were once full of industry and trade, but by 1980 they were empty as container ships grew too large for them. In 1981 the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) was set up to regenerate it. It brought in private investment, resulting in the development of Canary Wharf, with high rise office blocks and international banks. Over 100,000 people work there, helping London become a financial city.
Why is improved transport needed in London?
The number of yearly passengers on the Underground is over 1 billion and increasing as London expands. By 2050 the demand for London’s public transport will grow by 60%. Transport needs to be linked together to allow for more people to go on it.
What are the plans for Crossrail?
A £15bn rail route going east-west through London, from Reading to Shenfield and Abbey Wood, with a loop to Heathrow. It was due in December 2018, but has been delayed and bailed out. Crossrail 2, a north-south route, is planned for 2030.
What are the potential impacts of Crossrail?
Reduce journey times, e.g. from Liverpool Street to Heathrow from >1 hour to 35 minutes
Increase the number of rail passenger journeys by 10% (200m)
Bring 1.5m more people within a 45 minute journey of central London
Raise property values around stations by ~25%
What is urban greening?
How we increase and protect the green spaces in cities
How green is London?
London is one of the world’s greenest cities, with 47% of the city being green space e.g. parks, woodlands, cemeteries, and gardens. There are many large parks such as Hyde Park.
