The decline of inner cities is irreversible - How far do you agree with this statement? What are the implications of this for urban planning policies?
The decline of inner cities is irreversible. How far do you agree with this statement? What are the implications of this for urban planning policies?
In 1900, 10 per cent of the world’s population lived in towns, and there were 20 cities with more than half a million people. By 1990, 40 per cent of the population lived in towns, and there were almost 600cities of more than half a million people. These figures indicate that urbanisation, the trend for an increasing proportion of the population to live in urban areas, is one of the most significant processes affecting societies at the turn of the 21st century.
Urban growth is caused by two processes; migration and population increase. People migrate from rural areas due to poverty and unemployment, and the hope of finding a better lifestyle in a city where health and social facilities are better and more job opportunities. These extra occupants base themselves in largely residential areas around the out-side of the cities in the suburbs. These areas tend not to be as well sustained as the original residential areas near to the CBD. However, these original central occupants who live to a reasonable standard near to the CBD no longer need to live in the thick of the urban area due to transport improvement and tele-communication technology. The wealthier communities move out of the CBD and settle outside of the migrants zone in new housing. This leaves the working class occupying the majority of the inner-city residential estates. Geographers have identified a spiral of decline that affects many parts of large cities. Population decline is linked to declining employment opportunities. Consequently, investment is withdrawn. Unemployment means that people have less money to spend, and this has a multiplier effect on other businesses, such as shops and other services. This area near to the CBD is perceived as a “problem area,” and it becomes difficult to attract staff for schools, hospitals and social services. These problems add up to what has been called an “urban crisis.”
