Assessing the Success of Regeneration (Edexcel A Level Geography)

When you’re measuring the impacts of regeneration and whether it has been successful, you need to consider:

• Timescales - it might take many years to see improvements in educational attainment

• The areas being compared - two places directly affected by the regeneration scheme or one regenerated place versus one undeveloped place

• Multiple measures - whilst economic indicators might suggest the regeneration is successful, social indicators could show that people have been negatively affected

Remember that ‘success’ can be subjective and that any improvement may not benefit all of the people living in an area.

Explain why regeneration usually improves people's local living environment

[6 marks]

• Include reasons why regeneration often brings environmental improvements

• The question is not about regeneration in general e.g. the number of jobs created

• 6-mark questions without a resource require a 'broad range' of geographical ideas

  • Three different reasons why improving the living environment is often part of regeneration or two reasons in greater depth

Answer:

Regeneration is the process of making an area more attractive to people. Once the regeneration scheme is completed, the local living environment should have improved. For example, regeneration occurred in areas of East London in preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games. The Olympic Site was built largely on 560 acres of brownfield land, property that had been neglected, unused, and contaminated from previous industries. This area was not very aesthetically pleasing or healthy due to its industrial past. The Olympic Village has been converted into modern housing for people living in East London, along with a range of shops, restaurants and bars. Many of the grounds in the Olympic Park have been kept as parkland and are open to the public. This regeneration scheme has created vibrant and unique living conditions for the population, which was desolate before the Olympic Games. This has changed people's perception of the area, which encouraged people to move there. 

Regeneration can also improve the local environment, as well as improving living conditions. This can involve reducing water, air and soil pollution, which helps renew habitats and encourages more wildlife. During the London Olympics, 4000 trees were planted and 3 km of waterways were cleared. As a result, the ecosystem has flourished, with the Olympic Park becoming home to a range of rare plants and animals including the streaked bombardier beetle, black redstart bird and brown-banded carder bee. This has improved the living environment for both nature and people.  

For the 6-mark questions, you may be able to use your local or contrasting places in your answer. Look for opportunities to refer to all your studies and use the facts you have to provide developed detailed support.