The bullet points below show the main points needed to answer a question similar to that shown. The example of the London Docklands has been used as it is a good example of urban redevelopment in an MEDC (More Economically Developed Country)
Question:
“Urban Redevelopment is a feature of cities in MEDCs. Choose a city in an MEDC where redevelopment has taken place. Describe the redevelopment, its effects, and why it was necessary.”
Answer:
The redevelopment:
- Government and private investment
- Attracted new industry – newspapers / banks etc…
- New housing built to replace old terraces
- Mix of renovation and modern housing
- Airport built
- Transport links improved
- Arena built
- Parks put in place
Effects:
- Greater benefit to the wealthier than the not so rich inhabitants
- New jobs taken up by skilled and educated (“city jobs” relocated)
- Housing more expensive
- Original locals find it hard to stay because of changes
Why it was necessary:
- Decline of area occurred in late 60s / early 70s
- Other new ports on the south east coast such as Dover / Margate opened – London Docklands became less important
- Did not keep up with technology
- The decline in the docklands lead to over 30,000 dockside job losses