CASE STUDY: Regeneration of the London Docklands

Regeneration

The long-term upgrading of existing urban areas to bring about social and economic change.

Where are the London Docklands?

Located in the East of London, now encompass boroughs such as Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Lewisham, Newham and Greenwich.

What role did they play in the past?

In the past, the docklands were the principal hub of British sea trade, these docklands were essential in establishing Britain as a naval & trade superpower from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

What happened during the Blitz?

The Docklands suffered extensive damage.

Why did the London Docklands decline?

Deindustrialisation. Modern shipping containers were too large to access the shallow docks, deep water ports at Tilbury opened causing London docks to lose more business. Supporting businesses left as there were no incoming ships. Unemployment quickly rose and people moved away to find work, lead to an increase in crime. Area became abandoned and unattractive for new investment.

How was housing regenerated?

• 50,000 new homes built and 8000 local authority homes improved

• Former warehouses have been transformed into luxury flats - gentrification

• The building of silvertown urban village situated in Royal Docks containing 9,000 new homes

How was local community/leisure regenerated?

• £20mn was spent on environmental & community projects - parks and gardens

• Large shopping centre was built close to Canary Wharf

• Millenium dome built

• Many buildings contain a canteen, gym etc that helps businesses attract staff

How was transport regenerated?

• The Dockland Light Railway (DLR) opened in 1987 - operates full time service from Canary Wharf to Lewisham

• London City Airport opened in 1987 in Royal Docks - handles 4.3mn passengers a year from 188,000 when it first opened

• Limehouse link road cost £450mn and connects central London to the Docklands. LDDC also built bridges to improve access further

How was Environment regenerated?

By 1988 600 hectares of land were reclaimed. Parks and riverside paths were developed, with old houses made to look better. £300mn spent on improving utilites

How was Economy regenerated?

• Low rents attracted hi-tech & financial firms - increasing economy and causing PME

• These firms attracted high-skilled workers - decreasing unemployment

• City airport brings 500,000+ passengers a year, providing easy movement to other countries for business

Negative effects:

• New housing is too expensive for the locals leading to gentrification

• Newcomers didn’t mix well with locals creating tension & breakdown of East Enders community

• More money spend on providing infrastructure rather than on services - hospitals, care for elderly, educational facilities

• New jobs went to people living outside the area as local people didn’t have the technical skills