Examine the components of a 24-hour city

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CHAPTER 1:

THE THEORTICAL CONTEXT

1.1 OBJECTIVES AND RATIONALE

London has an arguable case to suggest whether or not it is a 24-hour city. At the moment, there are many issues that need to be resolved and implemented before it can be crowned with the rest of the leading world cities like New York, Berlin, Amsterdam, Japan, etc as a 24-hour destination. But more to the point objectively, does London have the capabilities to becoming more than it is now? Hence, more of a city that is generalized like such destinations mentioned. A predicted difficult aim to achieve, however, more challenging in knowing that no dissertation has been written on such a topic.

The following objectives for this dissertation are as follows:

Objective 1:        To examine the components of a 24-hour city

(What makes a 24-hour city is the aim of this objective. It will also focus on infrastructure in sustaining a 24-hour city)

Objective 2:        To investigate the West End as an entertainment district.

(Assessing a S.W.O.T analysis on the district will carry this out. It will aim to establish the extent of the late-night economy within the district.)

Objective 3:        To investigate on the development opportunities to create the area of London Bridge as a 24 hour district.

(The aim of this objective is to recognize opportunity development, and to see whether or not by creating the district will help relive pressures in the West-End.)

Objective 4:        To investigate on an effective management approach of sustaining a 24-hour district in London.

(This objective will aim to achieve possible ways in sustaining a future for London as a 24-hour city.)

1.2 HYPOTHESIES

The West End has a unique character that attracts a range of people who participate in a variety of activities.

The increase of activities in the West End, relates to the demand to be spread, where possible, to other districts in London – such as the area in London Bridge.

The management of the components of late-night economy with the area’s other characteristics is a vital role in sustaining a holistic image of London as a 24-hourcity.


CHAPTER 2:

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 CONTENT

The purpose of this literature review will help provide an academic overview on the concept of a 24-hour city. It will help develop an academic background, and give some light of the theoretical evidence to the study. However, more importantly, it will help with any questions that may arise during the research process of this dissertation.

Firstly, this chapter will aim to define the study’s boundaries. Secondly, it will provide relevant definitions on the concept of a “24-hour city”, which will then review the relevant issues. As well as the impacts of a 24-hour city. Then finally, it will aim to discuss, theoretically on developing a 24-hour city. Highlighting possible ways to relieving negative impacts to area’s that are undeveloped but have potential opportunities for the future.


2.2 Definitions of a 24-hour city

The 24-hour city is defined as a “pulsating glamorous place where something is always happening on the streets” (GLA, 2002 P: 3)

This key governmental document, addresses the relevant issues and concerns that may arise in developing London as a “sustainable world city”. Its definition, that is very generalized into the concept of a 24-hour economy in having more and more facilities and services throughout the whole day. The expression 24-hour city had originated from New York in the 1920’s. Today, the slogan is heavily used among destination marketing campaigns. However, many theorists argue that the concept of 24-hour cities is a false pretence among many destinations that claim that they are (Kreitzman, 1999, cited in 24-hour city literature review, Turner, C; P: 5).

However, what does the terminology actually mean? To the extent, how is one city classifies to be 24-hours? At a UK perspective, it classifies the well used slogan to include longer hours of socio-cultural activates. Such as café’s, pubs, clubs, shop’s, and also a growing trends of longer opening times for museums. Which has been increasingly recognized in countries in Europe (LGA, 2003 P: 6). However, Kreitzman contradicts this evidence in suggesting that this classification is only a “lifestyle” label”, and a mere definition of urban living with competitive cities. Although the concept of a 24 hour city had originated from the states, the perception in European counterparts is much different (GLA, 2002: P3). It describes the difference in being that of many of the cities in USA had been recognized as “no go areas”, whereas, mainland Europe’s perception was highly to be a continent that has “attractive places, with full of people in all area’s throughout the day”. An important recognition to consider, as it leaves the question in mind to why the difference between the two continents? Many indications may suggest that external factors, such as political instability and the countries economy, have a part in the differences. But the aim of this dissertation may also suggest that the differences could also be the perception, involvement and supply of cultural and entertainment activities.

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So, arguably, where does London fit in this context? We are within the European Union, but yet we are not like cities, such as Barcelona, Rome, Copenhagen, or Amsterdam. All of which have an established late-night economy. Therefore, does the evidence suggest that the London is like New York City? In the context of theory of a 24 hours? The development of a late night economy is suggested to be based around the entertainment industry. The concept of a 24-hour city has not been greatly elaborated in till recently where it was announced on the possible future changes of ...

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