AQA Geography Paper 2

Location of Sheffield

Sheffield is a city in South Yorkshire, North England, about 29 miles south of Leeds and adjacent to the Peak District National Park.

Population of Sheffield

575,000

Importance of Sheffield

Large sporting heritage - Football, World Snooker Championship

Greenest city in Europe

University of Sheffield + Sheffield Hallam attracts 60,000 young students annually

Fastest growing city outside of London

What are social opportunities?

The chances people have to better their lives through education, healthcare, jobs and social activities.

Social Opportunities in Sheffield

Cultural - Crucible Theatre, over 15 museums (offering mix of history, art and interactive experiences).

Known as ‘the outdoor city’ - 800+ Green Spaces (Including Winter + Peace), football stadiums, adjacent to Peak District.

Education - 60,000 students, Uni of Sheffield + Sheffield Hallam, young and vibrant community

Economic Opportunities in Sheffield

AMRC - Advanced manufacturing, replaces traditional steel jobs

Regeneration - E.g. Kelham Island created jobs in creative industries, modern housing

Retail and Leisure - Meadowhall 1000s of retail jobs

Universities - 60,000 students, 2 major universities, boosts knowledge-based quaternary ecomomy

Green Spaces - attracts tourism and leisure businesses = urban greening + economic growth

Social/Economic Challenges in Sheffield

A third of households live in the 10% most deprived wards in the UK. Increased house prices and shortage of affordable housing. Regeneration = gentrification (e.g. Park Hill)

Affluent West - Deprived East divide contrasts health and schools (desirable schools with 6th forms)

Deindustrialisation and steelworks closure in 70s and 80s left a legacy of high unemployment in certain areas.

Environmental Challenges in Sheffield

Deindustrialisation left brownfield sites (particularly in the East and Don Valley), requiring regeneration

Urban Sprawl - Pressure on rural-urban fringe, causes less greenfield (especially in the West)

Efficient waste disposal is an issue

Industrial history and heavy traffic contribute to poor air quality

River Don flooded in 2007, highlighting the need for improved flood management

Sustainability in Sheffield

"Grey to Green" project converts abandoned road infrastructure into sustainable landscaped areas

Park Hill flats regeneration turned former deprived criminal hotspots into mixed-use, sustainable housing

Invested in 30km Supertram, easier transfers between buses, trams and trains and cycle lanes encourage lower car usage

Increased local recycling facilities

Focusing on jobs in city centre to reduce urban sprawl

Problems Caused by Dereliction

High crime rates (broken window theory, vandalism)

Out-migration, low-skilled populations

Ecomomic decline (loss of jobs and tax) in the area hinders regeneration

Urban sprawl - often forces development into greenfield sites

Uncleanliness can invite vermin and spread of diseases

Eyesores - Reduces quality of life and attractiveness for investment

Causes of Dereliction

Deindustrialisation - Abandoned factories

Industries moving out to suburbs or other cities

Aging and decay - too expensive to maintain

Lack of investment leads to neglect