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How is access to housing and services being improved in a city in an MEDC
CASE STUDY: Leicester - Westcotes and North Braunstone
Section A: Problems in the city
North Braunstone and Westcotes are two different wards in Leicester. However, they share similar problems. Firstly, in 1992 Westcotes was one of the most deprived areas of the city. In addition, unemployment was higher than Leicester's average . Furthermore, many houses were in need of repair.
Similarly, North Braunstone had many issues. Firstly, fly-tipping and vandalism was rife. Secondly, the area had the highest mortality rates in the city. Finally, only 15% of young people left school with 5 GCSE grades A*-C compared to around 50% nationally.
Section B: Improving housing and services
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Targets set in 1993 included
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Outcomes in 1998 included
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•§ Create 2065 jobs
•§ Build or improve 1425 homes
•§ Start 130 business
•§ Reduce crime
•§ Reclaim derelict land
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•§ Almost 3000 jobs created
•§ Over 4000 homes improved or built
•§ Over 250 businesses set up
•§ Street lighting improved
•§ 5 pocket parks and a large park created
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The government awarded North Braunstone £49.5 million to improve the area. Work began in 2000. ‘The New Deal' was launched. It had 6 key themes:
•§ Theme 1 - Making Braunstone safe
•§ Theme 2 - Making Braunstone work
•§ Theme 3 - Improving the living environment
•§ Theme 4 - Making Braunstone fit and healthy
•§ Theme 5 - Raising educational attainment
•§ Theme 6 - Making Braunstone united and confident
Section C: Who benefits from such schemes
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Improvement
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Who benefits
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How and Why
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Traffic calming measures introduced
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Young children
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Cars travel slower in residential areas. As a result, a safer environment is created for children to play in
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New rail link
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Unemployed
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Public transport will allow those without a car to travel further. As a result, they will be able to access a wider range of employment
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Waterfront flats
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Local businesses
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New, state-of-the-art accommodation will attract more skilled workers to the area. Therefore, local businesses can employ good quality workers. Consequently, other businesses may be encouraged to invest in the area. This means that the local economy benefits.
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Video clip at: http://abbeyfieldhumanities.blogspot.com/2009/04/urban-regeneration-in-leicester-video.html
D.Drake 2009
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