Urban Strategies (Edexcel GCSE Geography B)
Revision Note
Written by: Bridgette Barrett
Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn
Urban Regeneration & Rebranding
Urban regeneration and re-imagining
Urban regeneration is the investment of capital in the revival of old, urban areas by either improving what is there or clearing it away and rebuilding
Over time, older parts of urban areas would begin to suffer a decline
Factories would move elsewhere, resulting in job loss
Quality of life and housing become poorer, people moved away
Urban blight sets in
The area needs to be 'brought back to life' = urban regeneration
In 2012 London was the location for the Olympics this lead to the regeneration of Stratford and other areas of London this had a range of positives and negatives
Impacts of Regeneration of London for 2012 Olympics
| Positives | Negatives |
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Social |
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Economic |
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Environmental |
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Urban re-imaging is changing the image and reputation of an urban area and the way people view it
Focusing on a new identity/function
Changing the quality and appearance of the built-up area
Good opportunity for brownfield site development
London Docklands was completely redeveloped and regenerated
London Docklands had new industries, more executive services, homes, entertainment, and leisure, making it the new 'cool' place to be
Together urban regeneration and urban re-imaging = rebranding
These processes add to the continued growth of urban regions
Worked Example
For a UK city that you have studied, explain why regeneration has had both positive and negative effects on people
(4 marks)
You will be expected to make reference to specific detail relating to your chosen UK city in your answer
Answer
May lead to growth in population (1) which will bring benefits to owners of services, e.g. retailers (1)
May increase value of properties (1) increasing wealth of existing property owners (1)
May give business opportunities (1) to new start-up and construction companies involved in regeneration (1)
Might displace existing residents (1) as property becomes too expensive and/or limited supply of social housing (1)
Might create social conflict (1) between incomers and existing residents (1)
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember regeneration and re-imaging are not the same. Regeneration is the redevelopment or clearance and rebuilding of an area, whereas re-imaging is about changing the image and reputation of an area. It is a combination of these two that lead to urban rebranding.
Sustainable Strategies
To increase sustainability London has a number of key strategies
Transport
Santander Cycle which can be hired for £1.65 for 30 minutes
Congestion charge and Low Emission Zones (ULEZ and LEZ)
Electrical vehicles are exempt from the charges
Investment in hybrid and electric buses
Recycling
London aims to:
Recycle 65% of municipal waste by 2030
Zero biodegradable or recyclable waste to landfill by 2026
Reduce household waste by 20% per household
Food Save aims to prevent food waste and utilise surplus food
Installation of drinking fountains to encourage reusable water bottle use
Public toilets converted to using grey water for flushing
Re-London strategy to increase recycling
Green spaces
Parks and green spaces cover 18% of London
Confirmed the world's first National Park City in 2019
Aims to make 50% of the city green by 2050
Greener City Fund:
Community tree planting and green space grants
London's urban forest
Projects such as Plumstead High Street Improvement Scheme which will provide play space and resident gardening
Opening of the Thames Barrier Park in 2000 with wildlife, picnic and play areas
Housing
BedZED UK's first large scale sustainable community
Built from local materials - within 35 mile radius with the exception of the windows
Car club - a fleet of rentable cars
Each building has a green roof to encourage wildlife
Built on a brownfield site
East Village in Stratford
Connected to local train and bus services
10 hectares of parkland
Green roofs
Lower rents to make them affordable
Local shops and services to reduce the distance people have to travel
Water use is 50% lower than average and energy use is 30% lower than average
Worked Example
For a UK city that you have studied, explain the strategies used to make urban living more sustainable
(4 marks)
Answer
Recycling schemes save on usage of packaging/materials (1) which reduces resource consumption and so improves
environmental sustainability (1)Improving/subsidising public transport systems and/or promoting use of bicycles (1) reduces use of cars so improves air quality and resource consumption, improving economic, social and environmental sustainability (1)
Provision of social housing in areas that are regenerating (1) maintains balanced labour force for growing economy so economically sustainable (1)
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