London Docklands Redevelopment

1. London Docklands Redevelopment

2. What was it like ? • In the 19th 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.