Urban improvement scheme (MEDC)

London Docklands

London Docklands used to be the busiest port in the world, however after the 1950's this had all changed. There were few jobs, the docks had closed and land stood derelict. Many homes fell into a poor state of repair. The whole area became run down. The London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) was set up as a UDC (Urban Development Corporation) by the government in 1981. It's aim was to encourage investment and renewal of land that had become disused and derelict. It was to promote new housing, industrial activity and establish new communities and create jobs.

What was done?

• § The transport system was improved and the Light Railway created.
• § City airport built.
• § Employment increased from 27,000 to 69,975 between 1981 and 1996.
• § New industry was attracted.
• § 19,800 new homes were built.
• § 7,900 existing homes were refurbished.
• § Resident population increased from 39,400 to 76,850 between 1981 and 1996.
• § New Shopping centres built.
• § New education facilities.
• § New sports complex.
• § New landscaped parks.
• § £100 million spent on health and education provision.

Did everyone benefit?

• § Local residents cannot afford the new expensive accommodation.
• § There is a shortage of low cost housing.
• § There are only specialist jobs available, little non-skilled manual work which is what the resident population requires.
• § Communities are being broken up as they move elsewhere in search of affordable housing and employment.

Additional changes:

• § 728 hectares of disused land reclaimed
• § 160 000 new trees
• § 17 conservation areas created

Keywords:

Urban Renewal = Improvement of old houses and improvement of environment.

Urban redevelopment = Clearance and demolition of housing and industry in an area. Construction of new housing and services.