London Docklands Redevelopment

What was it like ?  In the 19 th Century – one of the busiest ports in the world – it was flourishing !  By the 1950s most Docks had closed – they were too small for the new size of tankers/ships

Conditions in the 1950’s  Unemployment – no longer need dockers  Associated industry also goes – shipbuilders, repairers, chandlers, warehouses etc etc etc  Poor quality housing – sub standard  Lots of derelict land (over 50%)  Very poor transport links  Virtually no open space

London Docklands Development Corporation  This was set up to solve the Docklands problem. It had 3 aims  1. Create jobs & improve transport to make it more prosperous  2. Improve the environment by restoring derelict land, cleaning up & creating open space  3. To improve houses & local amenities

What was done ? Make notes from p101 Key Geog under the following headings  Industry  Housing  Transport  Shopping  Environment & recreation facilities

How has this helped the locals ?  Most of jobs were high tec and did not go to locals  Much of the new housing was far too expensive for the locals  More money has been generated – the place is better off  But prices have risen due to the new wealth – its more expensive to live there

 New comers (rich) and locals (poor) rarely mix  Transport has been improved DLR (railway) and City Airport  The area has been tidied up & open space created  Some low cost houses have been built  Much of money spent on expensive office blocks etc not hospitals, schools etc

Your bit! – you need to think  Since 1981 the environment and economic condition of the area has improved but the social condition has become worse for the locals.- copy out this statement  Say if you agree with this or not using the all the facts you have. Give both sides of the argument but be sure to come to some conclusion.