An example of the decline of inner city areas is that of London’s docklands.
In 1981 the London's Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) was set up to improve the economic, social and environmental problems that had developed in the area that was once one of the world's busiest ports. The area had been in decline since the 1950's. This is because larger ships could no longer access the port. Unemployment soared, the back to back terraced housing fell into disrepair and there was a lack of transport and leisure facilities. The area became on the first Enterprise Zones in 1981. The land was made rate free for ten years.
Between 1981-1998 many changes occurred within the Docklands. For example:
Employment
Low rents attracted a number of hi-tech and financial firms. This includes The Limehouse ITV studios and The Guardian and Daily Telegraph newspapers.
Housing
Many of the former warehouses have been transformed into luxury flats. This is an example of gentrification. Low cost housing has also been built along with the renovation of older council owned properties.
Leisure
A large shopping area was constructed close to Canary Warf. A number of parks have been created where buildings once stood. More recently the Millennium Dome was built in this area.
Transport
London’s Docklands now has its own light railway. The Dockland Light Railway (DLR) connects with Bank and Monument underground stations. This makes travel into the City of London very easy.
Although the redevelopment of London's Docklands brought many benefits to the area there are some groups who oppose the changes. This includes some of the original inhabitants of the area who are now unable to afford to live there. The majority of the jobs in the new hi-tech industries are unsuitable to unemployed docker workers. They do not have the skills needed for jobs in these industries. Close knit-communities have been broken up. Many believe there are insufficient services for people living in the area e.g. proper care for the elderly, and the correct needs to suit them.
The Docklands today
Over the past 20 years, the population of the Docklands has more than doubled and the area has become both a major business centre and a highly sought-after area to live. Transport links have continued to improve, with the western Docklands gaining a Tube connection via the Jubilee Line Extension (opened 1999) and the DLR has been extended to Beckton and Lewisham. Canary Wharf has become one of Europe's biggest clusters of skyscrapers and a major rival to the dominance of the City. Further east, the Royal Docks have been regenerated with new housing and the Excel exhibition centre.
Although most of the old Dockland wharves and warehouses have been demolished, some have been restored and converted into apartments. Most of the docks themselves have survived and are now used as marinas or watersports centres (the major exception being the Surrey Commercial Docks, now largely filled in). Although large ships can and occasionally still do visit the old docks, virtually all of the commercial traffic has moved downriver to Tilbury.
The revival of the Docklands has had major positive effects in run-down surrounding areas. Greenwich and Deptford are undergoing large-scale redevelopment, chiefly as a result of the improved transport links making them a more attractive place for commuters to live.
The Docklands' redevelopment has, however, had some less beneficial aspects. The massive property boom and consequent rise in house prices has led to friction between the new arrivals and the old Docklands communities, who have complained of being pushed out. It has also made for some of the most striking disparities to be seen anywhere in Britain: luxury executive apartments constructed alongside run-down public housing estates.
Future developments
The continued success of the Docklands redevelopment has prompted a number of further development schemes, including:
- Extensions of the Docklands Light Railway to Woolwich, North Woolwich (for London City Airport) and possibly to Dagenham.
- Crossrail mainline link between Canary Wharf, central London and north Kent.
- Expansion of London City Airport.
- Further development of Canada Water.
- Redevelopment of Blackwall Basin, east of Canary Wharf.
- Further development of the Royal Docks area.
All this is a success from reducing deprivation and the rewards are far greater for both people from the docks and around, with better views and better opportunities such as new jobs etc.
