Urban Regeneration

• Decay of the Docklands up to 1980s • Development of the LDDC (London

Docklands Development Corporation)

• Economic Regeneration

• Social Regeneration

Where do you recognise this from?

During the 19th century, London was one of the worlds busiest ports.

Many of the workers lived close to the docks in terraced houses

However, as technology improved and containers were used to transport goods, many workers lost their jobs. There was no other kind of employment in the area.

The area became unused and derelict.

The housing was in need of repair, there were very little transport links. The area had few services or leisure facilities.

The LDDC was set up to improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area.

Regeneration of the docklands area started in 1981. It included improved transport, new homes, shopping centres, sports facilities, colleges and office space.

Improved Transport

The construction of new transport links meant that the centre of London could be reached in ten minutes.

A new railway system was constructed: The London Docklands Light Railway. This connects the docklands with the City Airport, M11 and many underground stations.

Runway!

To encourage businesses to locate in the docklands area, modern facilities were built with low rental rates

This had a huge impact on the area.

•Unemployment fell

•Number of businesses grew

•The Canary Wharf business complex was the most prestigious business centre in London

Economic Regeneration

Social Regeneration

Nearly 20,000 new homes were built. Luxury flats that sold for very high prices and many local authority housing schemes were refurbished.

To support the new residents of the docklands area, new facilities were created. New shopping centres, sports centres and a technology college were all developed. New parks gave people access to open space.

The area became a desirable place to live.

Who was involved with this transformation?

•LDDC Planning and Redevelopment

•Government Created the business enterprise zone(Isle of Dogs)

Encourage private investment

Provided financial assistance for improved transport

•Property Developers Built large office blocks and converted empty warehouses into luxury flats

•Conservation groups Supported schemes aimed at improving the quality of the environment

Were there any problems?

•Many local residents could not afford the expensive luxury flats

•Still a shortage of low cost-housing

•Former Dockers did not have the skills to work in the high tech industries that located in the area

•Newcomers (yuppies) did not mix with the original ‘Eastenders’

•Developers did not provide enough medical services such as a hospital or care for the elderly

Task

Use your notes from this presentation and the information on page 34/35 of New Wider World

Answer question 4 on page 51 (a-d)