redevelopment of the london docklands
Introduction Docklands, London, refurbished former docks is situated in the East End of London. Docklands was the site of massive inner-city regeneration in the 1980s, the docks themselves having fallen into disuse. ... Docklands comprises, on the north bank of the River Thames, the districts of Wapping and Poplar, the Isle of Dogs, and the Royal Docks, and on the south bank, the Surrey Docks. It covers 88 km of waterfront to the east of the City of London, and 16 km of the Thames runs through the area. Why the docks closed In the 1960s, the amount of goods handled in the Port of London reached record levels. Yet in 1967, the East India Dock closed, followed one year later by the London and St Katharine Docks. ... Changes in trade Before the Second World War London was the center of trade with the British Empire, drawing in food and raw materials from countries all over the world and exporting manufactured goods in exchange. ... Continental ports like Rotterdam, making full use of new mechanised dock technology, began to overtake London. As Britains trade with the rest of the world declined, it increased trade with mainland Europe, but much of this went to coastal ports like Felixstowe rather than London. ... The Port of London found it increasingly difficult to attract trade. ... By 1970 the area was derelict, there were few jobs, few amenities, poor living conditions and 50% of docklands were derelict. There was virtually no open space, only small corner shops, high density housing - small houses, lacking modern amenities, few leisure amenities, narrow congested roads, empty warehouses and factories The docklands before the redevelopment The effects to the local community and environment as a result of closure Communally: The majority of people lost their homes; they were forced to move far way from where they had lived for generations. ... THE LDDC In 1981, the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) set up an enterprise zone. ... Its object was to secure the regeneration of the London Docklands Urban Development Area (UDA) comprising 8½ square miles of East London in the Boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Newham and Southwark. Changes which have taken place in the Docklands Industry: Many new office blocks have been built including canary wharf*. Financial businesses and high-tech firms were suddenly attracted to the area by the low rates and also several large newspaper organisations moved here from the high rates in Central London. ... The Canary Wharf* Tower lies at the heart of Docklands, and is currently the tallest building in the United Kingdom. ... Transport: Transport links were improved which brought the Docklands within 10 minutes of Central London. ... The Jubilee line has been extended into the Docklands. ... This LRT services the London Docklands, providing convenient transport through the industrial network. ... Improved transport links- the Docklands is now within 10 minutes of Central London. ... Yet, it has been unsuccessful socially because local people were forced out of where they have lived for generations and they have suffered a great deal because of the redevelopment and have not really benefited from it. Introduction Docklands, London, refurbished former docks is situated in the East End of London. Docklands was the site of massive inner-city regeneration in the 1980s, the docks themselves having fallen into disuse. ... Docklands comprises, on the north bank of the River Thames, the districts of Wapping and Poplar, the Isle of Dogs, and the Royal Docks, and on the south bank, the Surrey Docks. It covers 88 km of waterfront to the east of the City of London, and 16 km of the Thames runs through the area. Why the docks closed In the 1960s, the amount of goods handled in the Port of London reached record levels. Yet in 1967, the East India Dock closed, followed one year later by the London and St Katharine Docks. ... Changes in trade Before the Second World War London was the center of trade with the British Empire, drawing in food and raw materials from countries all over the world and exporting manufactured goods in exchange. ... Continental ports like Rotterdam, making full use of new mechanised dock technology, began to overtake London. As Britains trade with the rest of the world declined, it increased trade with mainland Europe, but much of this went to coastal ports like Felixstowe rather than London.