2.  Is the deterioration of the urban environment. Urban infrastructure falls into a state of disrepair and buildings are left empty for long periods of time.  Up to the mid-1960’s, the inner city of Sydney suffered from urban decay.  Characteristics included: deterioration of residential areas, a decline in inner-city investment associated with the suburbanisation of manufacturing, warehousing, retail and offices.

3.  Since the 1960’s, residential deterioration has been reversed by the process of gentrification: the renovation and occupation of old terrace housing by younger, higher income earners (DINKS) and an increase in medium-to-high density housing.  Other urban renewal initiatives have included Government investment projects e.g. Pyrmont / Darling Harbour