The architectural value of Docklands had been ignored during the 1960's and 1970's. Many buildings were lost, notably at St Katharine Docks. The London Docks in Wapping and the West India Docks on the Isle of Dogs (buildings from the early and mid-19th century) were demolished without thinking about it. Older plans for development didn’t even appreciate the important value of the architecture in this area Some plans were created to clear post–war housing instead of redeveloping it.
One of the first actions of the LDDC was to invite the Department of the Environment to regenerate the historic buildings of Docklands. This was completed in 1982 and 116 buildings were added to the list of Buildings of Architectural and Historic Interest. The LDDC also set out an investigation of the area's historic value and eight new conservation areas were created.
The River and the docks
The earlier plans for the redevelopment of London Docklands not only ignored the area's architectural heritage but saw the areas of the docks as a problem. The potential of the river was virtually ignored as well.
The docks and the Thames are the most powerful symbols of the area's value and an unique visual and recreational amenity. It is the docks in particular that distinguishes the area from any other part of London and were therefore seen by the LDDC as a great area to be saved and redeveloped.
Transport Networks
When transport links were created by the LDCC, which was it’s first priority, central London could now be reached by public transport. These services included: connections with Bank and Monument underground stations, the Jubilee extension, which gives direct access to London Bridge and Waterloo and also an airport was built in the royal docks which has handled millions of passengers over the last few years. Major improvements for vehicular access to and within Docklands was accepted as a priority. Even the government claimed that for the area to undergo successful economic regeneration, major improvements by way of new road building was necessary. Whilst the government never got as far as building them, the Docklands Highways which were opened in May 1993 effectively achieved what the government had thought of - a series of major linked roads improving access to and within Docklands. For the most part they avoided built-up areas, being routed through vacant land and only in one occasion the road had to be built underground.
Industry and employment
Estimates say that both employment and industries doubled between 1980 and 1996. As unemployment fell more tertiary industry developed because low rates in the Docklands. It was important to keep as many jobs in the area as possible and the LDDC promoted a large (50 acres) new industrial park at Cody Road which was well serviced and allowed Docklands firms which wanted to relocate to stay in the East End. However, bit by bit the traditional industrial base of the area declined. The LDDC was keen to widen the employment opportunities available in the area. It provided new jobs being brought into Docklands through commercial developments mainly established on the Isle of Dogs, London Bridge City and the western part of Wapping. The LDDC also encouraged and supported industrial relocation into the area, newspaper printing and communications were the ones which most helped to create both industry and employment.
Housing and Population
Over 20,000 new houses have been built, most of them old houses regenerated into giant flats. Recently, Newham Council have been concentrating in providing low cost housing and making sure everybody can have a place to live. Statistics show that there has been an increase in population in the area and that the proportion of occupied house has gone from 5% to 40%. Also new shopping centres have been developed and various colleges and parks have been constructed. Millions of pounds have been spent in better education, health and community programs.
London Docklands have now become a safer, healthier and a new socially developed area.
