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In crux of Geography , discover the inherent charm and nuances of Stratford. This extensive guide magnifies Stratford, London and its importance, particularly highlighted during the Olympics. Gain insights into the vital topic of regeneration , casting light on Stratford before and after, alongside a balanced view of its pros and cons. The transformation of Stratford is also succinctly summarised, alongside a discussion on future regulation and its impact. This all-encompassing text presents a comprehensive understanding of Stratford, its geographical allure, and future prospects.

Stratford

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  • Challenges In The Human Environment
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Understanding the Location: Stratford London

Before embarking on a tour of Stratford, it's important for you to explore its characteristics and the historical significance of certain events, such as the London Olympics. A keen understanding of these aspects will lead to a richer appreciation of Stratford's geography .

Introduction to Stratford: A Look into Its Characteristics

Stratford, popularly known as the heart of East London, carries a rich history interwoven with contemporary features. The city converges cultural diversity, architectural brilliance and commercial opportunities.

Stratford is defined as a district in the East End of London, England, in the London Borough of Newham.

It's strategically located and connects central London to other parts of the country via a robust transport network. The following aspects contribute to defining the character of Stratford:

  • Architecture: Featuring a mix of Victorian, post-war, and cutting-edge modern style.
  • Cultural Diversity: A melting pot of cultures from around the globe.
  • Leisure and Entertainment: Home to theatres, parks, and arenas that host a variety of events.

Consider Stratford's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, an architectural marvel that was a major venue for the London 2012 Olympics. Today, it serves as a versatile space for both recreation and various events.

The Significance of Stratford London Olympics

The 2012 London Olympics brought a transformational change to Stratford. The Olympics acted as a springboard for Stratford's regeneration , attracting worldwide attention and economic enrichment.

The London Olympics 2012: A major international multi-sport event that marked a historical moment in Stratford's development.

Here are some of the key impacts of the Olympiad:

Notably, the London Olympic Games became a catalyst for sustainable development. It led to the rise of new infrastructures and housing projects, which were designed with an ecological focus, promoting renewable energy, waste reduction, and biodiversity.

Stratford's geographical location, cultural mix, and links to significant events, make it a vibrant, dynamic destination worthy of study in our exploration of global geography.

The Regeneration of Stratford: A Case Study

Stratford's regeneration, greatly sparked by the 2012 Olympics, is a fascinating case study in urban renewal and sustainable development. Stratford's journey from a once industrial area to the flourishing multiculturality it represents provides insights into the transformative impacts of well-planned urban development.

It is worth noting that the success of this regeneration wasn't by chance but the product of strategic planning and timing, with the London Olympics as the perfect spotlight to debut Stratford's facelift.

Stratford Regeneration: Before and After

Stratford's development didn't happen overnight. Let's dive deeper into its transformation, comparing the pre and post-regeneration period.

Urban Regeneration is a comprehensive and integrated vision and action which leads to the resolution of urban problems and which seeks to bring about a lasting improvement in the physical, economic and social fabric of an area.

Before Regeneration:

  • Stratford was predominantly an industrial area, with neglected landscapes and semi-derelict buildings.
  • It housed a significant, yet disconnected community, with the area lacking in necessary social infrastructure.
  • Despite being well serviced by public transport, the area wasn't an attractive destination for investment or tourism.

After Regeneration:

  • Stratford has become a bustling metropolis with new housing projects, commercial buildings, and state-of-the-art sports facilities.
  • The rejuvenated Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (@qeop123) is now a recreational and cultural hotspot.
  • Stratford has seen a surge in economic development, with an influx of tourists and new residents attracted to its dynamics.

Take, for example, Stratford's transport hub. Before regeneration, it was merely a junction. Today, it serves as a major interchange point between different train lines, and connects to various parts of London and the country, enhancing Stratford's connectivity and accessibility.

Pros and Cons of Stratford Regeneration

When it comes to urban regeneration, there are always two sides to the coin. While Stratford's transformation brought many advantages, it also resulted in certain challenges. Let's discuss each in detail.

Regeneration Pros and Cons: The positive and negative outcomes related to regeneration developments, influencing the economic, social, and environmental sectors of the area.

Thus, the regeneration of Stratford offers invaluable lessons on the balancing act between growth and inclusivity in urban planning.

Appreciating the Changes: A Stratford Summary

In the journey through Stratford's geography, the profound transformation of this East London district and its experience of urban regeneration have painted a vivid picture of how well executed urban development can impact a location's dynamics, economy, and cultural landscape.

The Transformation of Stratford through Regeneration

Stratford's metamorphosis is more than merely an architectural makeover. It's a testament to the resilience of a community and the potential of thoughtful regeneration.

Urban regeneration of Stratford was catalysed by London's successfully hosting the Olympics in 2012, which offered a unique opportunity to transform the district from an industrial hinterland to a hub of cultural and social vibrancy.

Transformation in the context of urban geography refers to an extensive or dramatic change in the physical, social and economic structures of a city or district.

The following facets illustrate Stratford's transformation journey:

  • Industrial to Residential: Stratford has seen a shift from being predominantly industrial to a largely residential area with new residential developments attracting a more diverse population.
  • Transportation Enhancement: The redevelopment of Stratford's transportation network has significantly improved the accessibility of the area.
  • Cultural Vibrancy: The emergence of sites like Olympic Park and the Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, repositioned Stratford as a cultural and leisure destination.

Seeing the transformation can be as simple as taking a walk through the Stratford Centre, a local shopping mall that serves as a microcosm of the area's change. Where once it was an outdated shopping complex, it is now a vibrant centre of activity teeming with shops, restaurants, and often, community events.

Regulation and its Impact on Stratford's Future

The continued success of Stratford's regeneration and the implications for its future notably depend on the role of regulatory policies and frameworks.

Regulation in the context of urban planning refers to the rules or directives enforced by an authority (like a government agency) to guide the development and management of urban spaces.

The impact of urban regulation on Stratford's future can be grouped under two main themes:

  • Sustainability: Regulation demands balanced growth, ensuring new developments are environmentally friendly and socially inclusive, promoting sustainable living.
  • Urban Resilience: Regulatory measures aim to increase the city's capacity to absorb, recover and adapt to challenges, ensuring the long-term viability of the district.

For instance, the London Plan, a strategic planning document by the Mayor of London, encapsulates policies that promote strategies such as "Building a sustainable future", "Building strong communities" and "Promoting opportunity", all of which are vital for Stratford's continued growth and development.

It's important to note that while regulation guides development, it's the adaptation and execution of these regulations by local authorities and developers that will determine Stratford's evolution.

Thus, appreciating the transformation of Stratford showcases the catalyst role of urban regeneration and the importance of regulation in shaping the future of cultural landscapes like Stratford.

Stratford - Key takeaways

  • Stratford is a district in the East End of London, notable for its architectural diversity, cultural variety, and expansive commercial opportunities.
  • The London Olympics 2012 played a significant role in Stratford's development, serving as a catalyst for urban regeneration, economic enrichment, and social cohesion.
  • Stratford's regeneration, primarily triggered by the 2012 Olympics, is a study case of urban renewal and sustainable development, transforming this former industrial area into a dynamic hub of cultural and social vibrancy.
  • The regeneration of Stratford has both pros – like improved sports infrastructure, increased economic activity , and modernized urban environment – and cons – including gentrification, potential social unrest, and concerns over preserving the area's historic and cultural identity.
  • Urban planning regulation plays a critical role in ensuring Stratford's future, targeting eco-friendly and socially inclusive growth, as well as resilience to challenges for the district's sustainability.

Flashcards inStratford 32

Where is Stratford located?

In East London, about 7 miles from Central London

What was Stratford like after the decline?

It had one of the most deprived communities in the country, unemployment was high, and health levels were poor. Stratford lacked proper infrastructure, and the environmental quality was poor. 

During the Victorian Era, the Metropolitan Building Act, the new railway, and the creation of the Royal Docks accelerated industrialisation. With it, Stratford saw a lot of work opportunities.

Deindustrialisation and the closure of the Royal Docks

The creation of containerised cargo and other technological changes. The containerised cargo was much more efficient for transporting goods, but it required larger ships. These ships could not navigate down as far as the Royal Docks.

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GeographyCaseStudy.Com

Detailed resources for pre-university Geography students

Case study: London Olympics 2012

By Matt Burdett, 17 January 2018

On this page, we look at the London Olympics of 2012 as a case study of the costs and benefits for one country hosting an international sports event.

Why was London chosen?

London competed with other cities to host the 2012 Olympics. It was chosen from nine cities, with five shortlisted to make formal bids (Paris, Madrid, Moscow, London, and New York). London won the final round, beating Paris by 54 votes to 50.

It seems likely that there was a political influence in the decision – such as the French president insulting the Finnish delegation by complaining about the quality of Finnish food. However, the criteria of the IOC included government support and public opinion, city infrastructure (such as transport), sports venues and experience, olympic village and accommodation, environmental impact and legacy, safety and security, and finance. The following factors were partly responsible for the success of the bid:

  • Youth engagement in sport was one of the pillars of London’s bit
  • Sustainability and ‘legacy’ were pillars of London’s bid
  • Regeneration was emphasised as part of the bid: the IOC was shown photos of the derelict former industrial areas
  • The UK government had decided to focus its Olympic bids on London after failing to win the Games in 1992, 1996 and 2000 with bids from Birmingham and Manchester (two other major UK cities)
  • Gender and age issues: most of those who spoke in the Paris presentation were male and middle aged; the London presentation included children and represented a multicultural London
  • Financial: the British government was ready to back any over-spend on the construction of Games facilities. The initial estimate of GBP2.2bn was totally wrong and the games eventually cost around GBP10bn!

A further issue was the very local focus of London’s bid. Rather than being simply shown as a city- or country-wide bid, it suggested that the Olympics would have a lasting tangible impact on a deprived area of London, called Stratford.

The choice of Stratford in London

The area chosen for the main Olympic facilities was a relatively deprived part of London:

The area was therefore identifiably in need of regeneration and expected to benefit from improvements to infrastructure that would mean:

  • Location of main venue just seven minutes by train from Central London
  • London’s bid was one of the most compact Olympic Parks – only about 2 ½ square kilometres, so minimal impact on land use in the area
  • Sizeable available brownfield sites for redevelopment, as well as the green spaces of the Lower Lea Valley, so there would be opportunity for further growth
  • Development of a major transport hub in the form of Stratford International Station
  • The athlete’s village was planned to be converted into 2818 new homes, of which about 40% would be ‘affordable’ homes for low and middle income families and disabled people
  • Emphasis on urban regeneration: the swimming pools were planned for conversion into public pools after the Games
  • Suitable location for further post-Games industry e.g. the media centre, where 20,000 people worked during the Games, was planned for conversion into one of Europe’s largest data storage centres

The costs and benefits of hosting the Games

Whether the Games were cost-effective depends very much on the perspective of the individual. Socially there were many benefits (see below) but these were not always long-lived, and participation in sport has now returned to pre-2012 levels. Economically, the Games occurred during the recovery from the global financial crisis of 2008-10, and many people felt that the approximate cost of GBP10bn to be too high, despite the lasting benefits to the environment and the future of the economy. Over the total period of the Olympics, some sources suggest “the city brought in around US$3.5 billion in revenues, and spent in excess US$18 billion – a negative balance of $14 billion plus” (Zimbalist, 2015).

However, many people feel that the London Games were overall a success, and provided a benefit to the city. It should be remembered that London is already the world’s second most globalised city (Dessibourg, Hales, and Mendoza Peña, 2017) and has been in that position since the index began in 2008. London has great wealth and experience in putting on large events and is used to welcoming visitors from around the world, so it was organisationally capable of running the Olympics. Other cities have fared less well with the legacy of such complex and expensive events.

  • Eventual cost nearly £10 billion paid for by lottery fund so other things lose out e.g. arts
  • Massive construction scheme lasting years disrupts local communities
  • Better image for London and East End
  • New sports venues around London and elsewhere e.g. sailing in Weymouth
  • The UK government invested GBP 300 million to transform the Olympic site into the “Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park”, which includes housing, new schools, health centres, business space and sports venues.
  • The first Join In weekend (encouraging volunteerism as the profile was increased from volunteers at the Olympics), in August 2012, featured over 6,000 events.
  • 9000 new homes in total
  • The Olympic Village was converted into more than 2,800 flats in 11 residential plots, with spacious courtyards, gardens and balconies.
  • Five new neighbourhoods are being established around the park to include 11,000 residences, one third of which will be affordable housing
  • The London Olympic Athletes’ Village is the largest sustainable homes project in the UK.

Education and sports participation

  • A new youth sport strategy for the UK invested GBP1bn in youth sport over the five years following the Games and created 6,000 new community sports clubs.
  • The Department of Education provided GBP 65 million to encourage efforts by physical education teachers to organise competitive sports, embed best practice and train primary school teachers.
  • The official London 2012 education programme “Get Set” operated over a four-year period across the UK providing flexible teaching resources for over 25,000 schools and 6.5 million young people to assist them in learning more about the London 2012 Games, the Olympic and Paralympic values and global citizenship. An impressive 85 per cent of UK schools signed up to this programme
  • The Olympic and Paralympic Games inspired over 2,000 community projects designed to educate young people in the UK about sport, health & fitness, art and Olympic values.

Environmental and general infrastructure

  • Some people lost homes, allotments, and areas for fishing
  • Olympic Park ‘largest [new] urban park in Europe for 150 years’ (ODA, 2015)
  • Prior to construction, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA, 2015) excavated and cleaned more than 2.3 million cubic metres of contaminated soil.
  • Transport for London invested GBP 6.5 billion in transport infrastructure in preparation for the 2012 Games.
  • Ten railway lines and 30 new bridges continue to connect London communities after the Games.
  • The UK’s Home Office (the ministry of the interior) invested GBP 40 million in communications upgrades for London’s Underground, doubling radio capacity at key stations to help authorities deal with any emergency.
  • At least 60 Games-related projects promoted greener travel, including a GBP 10 million investment to upgrade pedestrian and cycling routes across London.
  • A fleet of 200 electric vehicles transported Olympians, supported by 120 charging stations that created the UK’s largest network of recharging points. The charging stations continue to support emission-free travel long after the Games
  • More than 98 percent of the demolition waste from decrepit buildings that were torn down was recycled.
  • Organisers helped develop 45 hectares of habitat, with a 10-year ecological management plan to encourage biodiversity.
  • 300,000 plants were planted in the Olympic Park’s wetland area.
  • Over 1,000 new trees were planted in East London.
  • 380 businesses relocated away from park to make way for Olympics
  • Cost of living in the area for poorer people will increase
  • 3000 new jobs (ODA, 2015)
  • Factoring in pre-Games construction and other early Games-related economic activity, an Oxford Economics study commissioned by the Lloyds banking group estimates that the Games will generate GBP 16.5 billion for the British economy from 2005 to 2017.
  • During July and August 2012, visitors spent about GBP 760 million in the UK, averaging GBP 1,290 per person – almost double the normal amount.
  • Expenditure from overseas visitors in August, including Games ticket sales, totalled GBP 4.5 billion
  • 75 pence of every pound spent on the Olympics went towards providing a lasting legacy to East London residents.
  • Independent experts said Games preparations were a major factor behind a 1.2 percent reduction in London’s unemployment rate in early 2012.
  • More than 46,000 people worked on the Olympic Park and Olympic Village, 10 percent of whom were previously unemployed.
  • The five Host Boroughs surrounding the Olympic Park provided nearly a quarter of the workforce throughout the project. For example, the Host Borough of Newham had 4,364 residents employed by LOCOG or by their contractors and a further 5,518 employed indirectly on the Games in the lead-up and at Games time.
  • The (new) Westfield Stratford shopping centre houses 250 retailers, 70 dining establishments and represents a GBP 1.4 billion investment in East London.
  • The Westfield Stratford shopping centre created 10,000 permanent new jobs from day one, including 2,000 for local people who were previously unemployed.

Anonymous, no date. Why was London chosen to host the 2012 Olympiad? https://www.rgs.org/NR/rdonlyres/1E506FE2-3179-439C-81F2-B43D0B97D058/0/CGT_NetRaising_8Olympicpresentation.pdf Accessed 17 January 2018.

Dessibourg, Hales, and Mendoza Peña, 2017. Global Cities 2017. https://www.atkearney.com/global-cities/full-report Accessed 17 January 2018.

Dugan, E. 2013. Olympics legacy: Did the Games succeed in rejuvenating East London? http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/olympics-legacy-did-the-games-succeed-in-rejuvenating-east-london-8711691.html Accessed 17 January 2018.

ODA [Olympic Delivery Authority], 2015. Olympic Delivery Authority 2006-2014 – final report. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/olympic-delivery-authority-report Accessed 17 January 2018.

Stevens, A. 2008. 2012 London Olympics to regenerate one of the poorest areas of the capital http://www.citymayors.com/sport/2012-olympics-london.html Accessed 17 January 2018.

Wihbey, J. 2016. Olympics and their economic impact: Updated research roundup. https://journalistsresource.org/studies/government/infrastructure-government/economic-and-cultural-benefits-of-the-olympics-research-roundup Accessed 17 January 2018.

Zimbalist, 2018. The Illusory Economic Gains from Hosting the Olympics World Cup. In World Economics, 16, issue 1, p. 35-42, https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wej:wldecn:606 . Accessed 17 January 2018.

Case study: London Olympics 2012: Learning activities

  • Outline the political, social, economic and environmental reasons why London was chosen for the 2012 Games. [8]
  • Suggest reasons why some people feel that the Games were not an appropriate way to spend the money. [4]
  • Suggest why some people feel that the Games provided a tangible legacy. [3]
  • Create a spider diagram showing at least three social impacts, three economic impacts and three environmental impacts of the Games.
  • Do you consider that the Games were a sustainable event? Explain your answer. [4]
  • Overall, do you think that the Games were a success? Why? [6]

Other tasks

Imagine that you live in the area that is going to be transformed by the Games. Write a letter to the International Olympic Committee explaining why you do or don’t want the Games to come to London. Remember to attempt a counter-argument and rebuttal, and that this is a formal letter so you should be using formal ‘business’ language.

Going further

This site has a great number of additional sources that you could explore, for example if you are looking at the Olympics for the purposes of an extended essay. Page 11 is especially good.

  • http://crln.acrl.org/content/75/1/24.full

Look at these sites for more in-depth information.

  • http://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/23434844
  • https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/02/140221-olympics-sochi-rio-de-janeiro-london-boris-johnson-montreal-athens-world/
  • https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2014/02/03/270950685/did-london-get-an-economic-boost-from-the-2012-olympics
  • https://d2rpq8wtqka5kg.cloudfront.net/129049/open20120701120000.pdf?Expires=1511793842&Signature=R043y307dmxOAQKbZckf67uuGsQhQUZ3~Fuml0zdCMn0Y2ZjYobP36CAdEROzjj4QvHUN0aFZKha~v7h8RAt1XLxQKkIZGyf6Z5h3N~U01FZv~N5u4gIXs~z43IkDQMr~1ShM9I4Px7hWR6~yG7TRi57jLt8x3Ti~2HiHGZYAiDpXP68St7EadjRxLr6HDZRtf-mOBRGCSKCxx7S-bhDyZWlDqR8kP4jayZQr7UtYoN-qSbdz6SqNBd3AIrQNhaCLp51mWZkSFex8XdXJblqSZDlAgdPYHvGLyD6wsZLSZAmvUE9MDQ4ol~SOhQ9qI9-zggFSUgaagHj1mPDR9Ak9A__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJVGCNMR6FQV6VYIA

And even further:

  • http://www.olympic.org/Documents/Reference_documents_Factsheets/London_2012_Facts_and_Figures-eng.pdf Interesting facts in general.
  • http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171778_282767.pdf Visitors impact – especially useful on p8
  • http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/ott/overseas-travel-and-tourism—monthly-release/august-2012/index.html Also pretty strong, same basic source as above but with other links that might be useful.

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Internet Geography

Urban regeneration in London: Lower Lea Valley

The ArcelorMittal Orbit and London Stadium

Urban Regeneration in the Lower Lea Valley

The International Olympics Committee selected Stratford in the East of London, as the destination for the 2012 Olympic Games. The location for the games was the Lower Lea Valley in East London, situated north of the London Docklands and mainly within the Borough of Newham. The River Lea, a tributary of the River Thames, flows through the Olympic Park. Before the Olympics, the region was in dire need of urban regeneration.

A Google Map showing the location of the Lower Lea Valley

The location of the Lower Lea Valley

What was the area like before regeneration?

Before the London 2012 Olympics, the Lower Lea Valley was an area of urban deprivation with many derelict industrial sites, poor quality housing and high unemployment rates, and chemicals badly contaminated the land and waterways. Previously the Lower Lea Valley was an important agricultural community known for potato growing and a country retreat for the wealthy from the City. The introduction of the railway saw the creation of the Royal Docks, leading to industrialisation.

Why did the area need regenerating?

The Lower Lea Valley desperately needed regeneration after the docks and manufacturing industries were closed. The area was one of the most deprived communities in the country, where unemployment was high, educational achievement was low, and there was a high incidence of poor health amongst the population. The area needed more infrastructure, and the quality of the environment required improvement.

The bid for the 2012 London Olympics was successful, partly because of the plan for Stratford to be used during the games and the area’s regeneration for local people to use after the event. The park was named the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park after the Olympic Games.

The development of the Olympic Park began in 2007. Many factories and businesses in the area had already closed down, and some parts of the land were abandoned and covered in weeds. However, the space around the River Lea wasn’t empty.

One section of the site was a busy industrial area where many companies focused on recycling and fixing vehicles. There were also two areas with many factories, a small neighbourhood with houses, and a brand-new train station called Stratford International. The main reason there were few houses in that area was that the Lea Valley flooded quite often.

What challenges needed to be overcome to regenerate the site? 

Building the Olympic Park in just five years, from 2007 to 2012, was an impressive accomplishment.

Before construction could start, several challenges had to be overcome:

  • First, all the land had to be brought together under one new owner, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), which the government established.
  • Then, the people who owned or used the land before had to leave the area by 2007. There were protests by some local people, though the ODA eventually bought the land from them.
  • Past industries polluted parts of the land, so they had to remove the contaminants before beginning construction.
  • Approximately 110 hectares of brownfield land was reclaimed.
  • Overhead electricity cables were buried below the ground.
  • Since waterways and railways were all over the site, they built bridges to connect everything and make moving around easier.

How was the area regenerated? 

Preparation of the site involved: 

  • The demolition of old factories, industrial estates and homes. 
  • The clearance of derelict and overgrown sites. 
  • Electric pylons and overhead cables were removed with wires going under the ground.
  • Contaminated soil and waterways were cleaned up. 

The regeneration included: 

  • The construction of new sports venues, including the Olympic Stadium (renamed to the London Stadium after the Olympics and now home to West Ham United), the Aquatics Centre and Velopark, which are open to the public and used by schools.
  • Setting up the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), which is responsible for transforming and integrating one of the most challenged areas in the UK into world-class, sustainable and thriving neighbourhoods to make the Olympics legacy a reality.
  • The Olympics media centre has been renamed Here East and is a hub for creative industries, employing 5,000 people.
  • A landscaped park with natural habitats and a range of tourist attractions. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is the largest new park in London, with over 100 hectares of open space.
  • The Athlete’s Village, used by Olympic competitors, was converted into residential accommodation. Known as East Village, it provides 2,800 homes for locals and people who have moved into the area.
  • Developing the International Quarter, a new high-rise office development employing 25,000 people.
  • The East Bank development is a new cultural centre for London, home to organisations such as BBC Music, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London College of Fashion and the V&A Museum.

The video below shows a timelapse of the redevelopment.

Lower Lea Valley Photogallery – June 2023

The Queen Elizabeth Olmypic Park sign

The Queen Elizabeth Olmypic Park sign

The ArcelorMittal Orbit and London Stadium

The ArcelorMittal Orbit and London Stadium

The London Stadium

The London Stadium

The ArcelorMittal Orbit

The ArcelorMittal Orbit

View of Canary Wharf from The ArcelorMittal Orbit

View of Canary Wharf from The ArcelorMittal Orbit

View of the slide from the top of the The ArcelorMittal Orbit

View of the slide from the top of the The ArcelorMittal Orbit

The Aquatics Centre

The Aquatics Centre

The Velodrome

The Velodrome

Inside the Velodrome

Inside the Velodrome

View of the Velodrome from Knights Bridge

View of the Velodrome from Knights Bridge

View towards East Bank from Knights Bridge

View towards East Bank from Knights Bridge

East Bank Development

East Bank Development

The East Bank development

The East Bank development

Developments at the International Quarter

Developments at the International Quarter

Here East

East Village

East Village

What economic changes have taken place?

The Olympics generated £9 billion in extra income for the UK from the sale of buildings after the Olympics. Additionally, unemployment fell overall across London during the Olympic period. There has been a significant infrastructure improvement, with new homes, schools, and transport to connect the area to the rest of London. New jobs in construction and tourism have created a multiplier effect . By 2030 there will be 20,000 new jobs, bringing £5 billion to the local economy. The total bill for the Olympics was £8.77 billion of taxpayers’ money. (£5 billion over budget).

Developments at the International Quarter

Construction at the International Quarter

What environmental changes have taken place?

The Olympic bid was partially successful because of its focus on sustainability. The park is designed to be sustainable in several ways that are good for the environment. For example, there are walking and cycling paths to encourage people to use non-polluting modes of transportation. Public transportation options make it easier for people to get around without using cars. There are bike hire points around the park, making cycling accessible.

The homes in the park are designed to use water efficiently, essential for conserving this valuable resource.

Additionally, the park aims to protect green areas and the natural homes of plants and animals, ensuring the preservation of habitats.

The parklands reflect the River Lea’s place at the heart of the area, with acres of wetlands and riverside meadows home to hundreds of different birds, waterfowl and amphibians.

However, during the redevelopment, 3.3 million tons of CO2 were created. Wildlife, such as newts, toads and lizards, had to be relocated. Finally, many of the stadiums and Olympic Park materials came from overseas.

Features of the regeneration of the Lower Lea Valley

Features of the regeneration of the Lower Lea Valley

What social changes have taken place?

Ten thousand new homes will be built in the park by 2030; 40% are affordable. Three thousand are the former Athlete’s Village (now East Village). A further five new communities with 8,000 new homes are planned by 2030. A new academy, accommodating 1800 pupils aged 3 to 18, is now on the site.

The community, schools, and elite athletes can use the aquatics centre and velodrome facilities. Also, a new bus station has been constructed next to the Stratford underground station, improving connectivity. The new Queen Elizabeth line also serves Stratford.

The parkland, which is free to access, contains beautiful gardens, wildlife walks and award-winning playgrounds, providing an ideal open space for locals and visitors to spend their leisure time.

Local waterways have opened up for leisure and recreation.

The Aquatics Centre beside the River Lee

The Aquatics Centre beside the River Lee

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Regeneration in the UK

Evaluating the need for regeneration.

There are several ways to evaluate the need for regeneration. These can be quantitative (numerical data) or qualitative (non-numerical data). Different types of data can provide different representations of places.

Illustrative background for Quantitative methods of evaluation

Quantitative methods of evaluation

  • Census data - this shows population growth rates, age categories, ethnicity and health.
  • Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) data.
  • Labour force surveys - these show average incomes, types of jobs and whether they are full or part-time.

Illustrative background for Qualitative methods of evaluation

Qualitative methods of evaluation

  • Photographs - e.g. online sources such as Flikr or Google Earth.
  • Postcards and paintings.
  • Written documents - novels, old newspaper accounts, poems, marketing literature.
  • TV documentaries, TV programmes, films, videos and songs.
  • Interviews or questionnaires.
  • Social media sources - e.g. Twitter, Instagram, Trip Advisor, blogs.

UK Government Policies to Facilitate Regeneration

The UK government plays a key role in regeneration by facilitating investment in infrastructure. It also controls the rate and type of development by using planning restrictions and legislation.

Illustrative background for Infrastructure

Infrastructure

  • Investment in UK infrastructure seeks to address issues of regional accessibility and economic growth.

Illustrative background for National infrastructure projects

National infrastructure projects

  • The UK motorway network, including adding new routes and maintaining existing ones.
  • The HS2 rail link between London and Birmingham, which will then be extended to Manchester and Leeds.
  • The development of regional airports (e.g. Newcastle, Manchester and Robin Hood in Doncaster).
  • The roll-out of broadband across the UK (including rural areas). BT is mandated to manage this and meet the minimum standards set by the government.

Illustrative background for Regulation

  • Greenbelt land is protected green space (often farmland around urban areas).
  • Conservation areas have strict planning regulations that stop the development of almost anything except small-scale residential and commercial schemes.

Illustrative background for Regulation - 'planning gain'

Regulation - 'planning gain'

  • 'Planning gain' is a scheme for new private homes, where they only get planning permission if they include a certain percentage of affordable homes. They can also offer to improve infrastructure, but the developer has to pay for this.

Illustrative background for Energy

  • Some developments are approved by the government because they are in the 'national interest'.
  • E.g. In 2018, Cuadrilla got approval from the government to frack for gas in Lancashire.

Recent UK Government Regeneration Policies

There have been many attempts since 2000 to regenerate areas of the country. Some initiatives include:

Illustrative background for House-building targets

House-building targets

  • There is a severe housing shortage in the UK.
  • The government has set house-building targets, for example 200,000 per year between 2010-15. But this target was not met.

Illustrative background for Regional Development Agencies (RDAs)

Regional Development Agencies (RDAs)

  • Between 2000 and 2010, Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) worked to combine private and public investment to regenerate key sites in cities.

Illustrative background for Flagship buildings

Flagship buildings

  • Flagship or landmark buildings that had a high visual impact received planning permission.
  • The aim was to 'kick-start' investment with other local businesses and developments surrounding these areas.
  • The current redevelopment of Battersea Power Station could be called a flagship development.

Illustrative background for Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs)

Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs)

  • Since 2010, regeneration has been led by private investment (Local Enterprise Partnerships – LEPs) often involving retail developments (e.g. Westfield schemes) and private housing developments.

Illustrative background for Local councils

Local councils

  • At the local level, local councils act as advisors and facilitators to a lot of these initiatives.
  • The ERDF funds projects at the EU level and many of these happen in the UK.

1 Tectonic Processes & Hazards

1.1 Tectonic Processes & Hazards

1.1.1 Tectonic Plates

1.1.2 Distribution of Tectonic Hazards

1.1.3 Theoretical Frameworks

1.1.4 Earthquakes

1.1.5 Earthquake Hazards

1.1.6 Volcanoes

1.1.7 Tsunamis

1.1.8 End of Topic Test - Tectonic Processes

1.1.9 Exam-Style Question - Earthquakes

1.2 Natural Disasters

1.2.1 Introduction to Natural Disasters

1.2.2 Impacts of Hazards

1.2.3 Comparing Hazards

1.2.4 Development & Governance

1.3 Natural Disaster Case Studies

1.3.1 Tohoku Earthquake & Tsunami

1.3.2 Gorkha Earthquake

1.3.3 Mount Merapi Eruption

1.4 Trends & Patterns

1.4.1 Disaster Trends

1.4.2 Prediction

1.5 Disaster Modification

1.5.1 Hazard Management

1.5.2 Modifications

1.5.3 End of Topic Test - Natural Disasters

1.5.4 Exam-Style Question - Disaster Modification

2 Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

2.1 Glaciated Landscapes Over Time

2.1.1 Timeline of Glacial Change

2.1.2 Natural Causes

2.1.3 Ice Distributions

2.2 Periglacial Landscapes

2.2.1 Periglacial Processes

2.2.2 Periglacial Landforms

2.3 Glacial Processes

2.3.1 Mass Balance

2.3.2 Glacial Movement

2.4 Glacial Landforms

2.4.1 Landscapes

2.4.2 Erosional Landforms

2.4.3 Erosional Landforms 2

2.4.4 Erosional Landforms 3

2.4.5 Depositional Landforms

2.4.6 Fluvioglaciation

2.5 The Future of Glaciated Landscapes

2.5.1 The Value of Glaciated Landscapes

2.5.2 The Value of Glaciated Landscapes 2

2.5.3 Threats to Glaciated Landscapes

2.5.4 Managing the Threats to Glaciated Landscapes

3 Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

3.1 Coastal Landscapes

3.1.1 The Wider Coastal Landscape

3.1.2 Geological Structure

3.1.3 Lithology & Vegetation

3.2 Coastal Erosion & Deposition

3.2.1 Shaping Coastlines

3.2.2 Coastal Formations

3.2.3 Sediment Transportation

3.2.4 Subaerial Processes

3.3 Coastal Risks

3.3.1 Sea Level Change

3.3.2 Coastal Retreat

3.3.3 Coastal Flooding

3.4 Managing Coastlines

3.4.1 Consequences of Coastal Recession

3.4.2 Engineering Management Approaches

3.4.3 Governance Approaches

4 Globalisation

4.1 Globalisation

4.1.1 Intro to Globalisation

4.1.2 Development of Globalisation

4.1.3 Economic Policy & Globalisation

4.1.4 Government Policy & Globalisation

4.1.5 International Organisations & Globalisation

4.1.6 Measuring Globalisation

4.1.7 TNCs & Globalisation

4.1.8 TNCs - Aramco & Anglo-Iranian Oil

4.2 Negatives of Globalisation

4.2.1 'Switched Off' Places

4.3 Global Shift

4.3.1 Global Shift for Developing Nations

4.3.2 Global Shift for Developing Nations 2

4.3.3 Global Shift for Developed Nations

4.3.4 End of Topic Test - Globalisation

4.4 Migration

4.4.1 Megacities

4.4.2 International Migration

4.4.3 Country Interdependence

4.5 Culture

4.5.1 Global Culture

4.5.2 Cultural Erosion

4.6 Measuring Development

4.6.1 Measuring Development

4.7 Responses to Globalisation

4.7.1 Tensions Caused by Globalisation

4.7.2 Government Control of Globalisation

4.7.3 Ethical Responses to Globalisation

4.7.4 End of Topic Test - Migration, Culture, & Response

5 Option 4A: Regenerating Places

5.1 Types of Economies

5.1.1 Economic Activity

5.1.2 Employment

5.1.3 Economic Activity - Health & Life

5.1.4 Economic Activity - Education & Inequality

5.2 Function of Places

5.2.1 Characteristics of Places

5.2.2 Changes in Places

5.2.3 International Influences on Places

5.2.4 Historic Influences on Places

5.2.5 The Perception of Places

5.2.6 Lived Experience & Attachment

5.3 Regeneration

5.3.1 Migration & Capital

5.3.2 Success & Regeneration

5.3.3 Tensions & Conflict in Communities

5.3.4 Regeneration in the UK

5.3.5 Local Government Policies

5.3.6 Regeneration Strategies

5.3.7 Measuring Regeneration Success

5.4 Regeneration Case Studies

5.4.1 Stratford

5.4.2 Salford Quays

5.4.3 Croyde

6 Option 4B: Diverse Places

6.1 Population Structure

6.1.1 The UK

6.1.2 Population Characteristics

6.1.3 Government & Change

6.2 Past & Present Connections

6.2.1 International Influence on Places

6.2.2 Historic Influences on Places

6.2.3 The Perception of Places

6.2.4 Image & Identity

6.3 Urban & Rural Spaces

6.3.1 Perceptions of Urban Places

6.3.2 Perceptions of Rural Places

6.3.3 Evaluating Living Space

6.4 Diversity

6.4.1 UK Migrations

6.4.2 Challenges

6.4.3 Tensions & Conflict

6.4.4 Wider Outcomes of Tensions

6.4.5 Managing Tensions

6.5 Urban & Rural Case Studies

6.5.1 Stakeholders

6.6 Case Study - Tower Hamlets

6.6.1 Background

6.6.2 Characteristics

6.6.3 Issues

6.7 Case Study - Sturton-le-Steeple

6.7.1 Background

6.7.2 Characteristics

6.7.3 Issues

7 The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

7.1 Hydrological Processes Global to Local

7.1.1 Global Hydrological Cycle

7.1.2 Drainage Basin Hydrological Cycle

7.1.3 Water Budgets

7.1.4 River Regimes

7.1.5 Storm Hydrographs

7.2 Influences on the Water Cycle

7.2.1 Causes of Drought

7.2.2 Impacts of Drought

7.2.3 Causes of Flooding

7.2.4 Impacts of Flooding

7.2.5 Climate Change & The Water Cycle

7.2.6 Impacts of Climate Change

7.2.7 End of Topic Test - The Water Cycle

7.3 Water Insecurity

7.3.1 Water Stress

7.3.2 Causes of Water Insecurity

7.3.3 Water Insecurity Risk

7.3.4 Conflict Over Water

7.4 Water Supply Management

7.4.1 Hard Engineering Schemes

7.4.2 Sustainable Management

7.4.3 Water Treaties & Framework

7.4.4 End of Topic Test - Water Insecurity & Management

8 The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

8.1 The Carbon Cycle

8.1.1 Carbon Stores

8.1.2 Carbon Stores 2

8.1.3 Biological Carbon

8.1.4 Atmospheric Carbon

8.1.5 Burning Fossil Fuels

8.2 Energy Consumption

8.2.1 Consumption

8.2.2 Access to Energy

8.2.3 Energy Players

8.2.4 Supply & Demand

8.2.5 Pathways

8.2.6 End of Topic Test - Carbon & Consumption

8.3 Alternative Energy

8.3.1 Unconventional Fuels

8.3.2 Non-Fossil Fuels

8.3.3 Non-Fossil Fuels 2

8.4 Growing Demand for Resources

8.4.1 Deforestation

8.4.2 Water

8.4.3 Climate Change

8.5 The Future

8.5.1 Future Uncertainty

8.5.2 Adaptation Strategies

8.5.3 Mitigation Strategies

9 Superpowers (A2 only)

9.1 Superpowers

9.1.1 Introduction to Superpowers

9.1.2 Superpowers - Economic Power & Size

9.1.3 Superpowers - Political & Military Power

9.1.4 Superpowers - Culture, Demography & Resources

9.1.5 Geo-Strategic Location

9.2 Hard & Soft Power

9.2.1 Hard & Soft Power

9.2.2 Emerging Powers - China Rivalry

9.2.3 Emerging Powers - Chinese Sources of Power

9.2.4 Emerging Powers - Brazil

9.2.5 Emerging Powers - Russia

9.2.6 Emerging Powers - India

9.2.7 Theories of Development

9.2.8 Power Case Studies: Chinese One Belt One Road

9.2.9 Power Case Studies: Pakistan Nuclear Arms

9.2.10 Power Case Studies: OPEC

9.3 IGOs, TNCs & Alliances

9.3.1 Superpowers & IGOs

9.3.2 Superpowers & TNCs

9.3.3 Superpowers & Global Action

9.3.4 Superpowers & Alliances

9.3.5 Superpowers & the Environment

9.4 Changing Global Influence

9.4.1 Recent Tensions between Powers

9.4.2 China in Africa & Asia

9.4.3 Tensions in the Middle East

9.4.4 Economic Problems for Superpowers

9.4.5 Future Pattern of Power

10 Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

10.1 Human Development

10.1.1 Measuring Development

10.1.2 Factors Improving Development

10.1.3 Variations in Health

10.2 Role of Governments & IGOs

10.2.1 Targets & Attitudes

10.2.2 Financial IGOs

10.2.3 The United Nations (UN)

10.2.4 The UN's MDGs & SDGs

10.3 Human Rights

10.3.1 Human Rights

10.3.2 Differences Between Countries

10.3.3 Transitions to Democracy

10.3.4 Differences Within Countries

10.3.5 The Demand for Equality

10.4 Interventions

10.4.1 Geopolitical Interventions

10.4.2 International Intervention Players

10.4.3 Evaluating Geopolitical Intervention

10.4.4 Military Interventions

10.4.5 Evaluating Military Interventions

10.5 Development Aid

10.5.1 Forms

10.5.2 Successes

10.5.3 Criticisms

10.5.4 Development Aid & the Environment

10.5.5 Evaluating Development Aid

10.5.6 Economic Inequalities

11 Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

11.1 Globalisation & Migration

11.1.1 Intro to Migration

11.1.2 Trends in Migration

11.1.3 Common Migration Patterns

11.1.4 Causes of Migration

11.1.5 Restrictions on Migration

11.2 Consequences of Migration

11.2.1 Intro to Culture

11.2.2 Social & Demographic Tensions of Migration

11.2.3 Political & Economic Tensions of Migration

11.3 Nation States

11.3.1 Intro to Nation States

11.3.2 Borders

11.3.3 Nationalism

11.4 Responses to Global Migration

11.4.1 Responses to Global Migration

11.4.2 Global Organisations

11.4.3 IGOs and World Trade

11.4.4 Financial IGOs

11.4.5 Environmental IGOs

11.5 Sovereignty & Identity

11.5.1 Sovereignty & Nationalism

11.5.2 Complex Identities

11.5.3 Challenges to National Identities

11.5.4 Tensions within Nations

11.5.5 Failed States

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AQA A Level Geography: Changing Places Case Study: Stratford (Meaning and representation)

AQA A Level Geography: Changing Places Case Study: Stratford (Meaning and representation)

Subject: Geography

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Other

Geographer Gold: Geography Resources

Last updated

9 June 2022

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A detailed and comprehensive overview of the qualitative and quantitative ways in which Stratford (east London) is represented. This meets the specification point ‘3.2.2.2.2 Meaning and representation’ section of the AQA A Level Human course.

The following methods are covered in this document:

  • Newspaper articles
  • TV and film

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Stratford, Newham - Distant Changing Places Case Study

  • Case studies changing places
  • Created by: abibretton
  • Created on: 17-02-22 13:17

location of Stratford and Newham

London Borough of Newham is located in east London , 5 miles east of the City of London and North of the River Thames

Stratford is a district within Newham , located towards the north-west border of the borough (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is located here)

locale of Stratford

major multilevel interchange station that is well connected to key London locations through its position on 4 lines of the Tube network

Westfield Stratford City opened in 2011, with 350 stores and services. It is the 3rd largest shopping centre in the UK

Stratford contains the 2012 Olympics Athletes Village and most of the Olympic Park

wide range of housing - more modern accommodation with high-rise flats in the regenerated west Stratford, whilst more deprived, run-down maisonnettes and terraced housing remains in the north

endogenous factors of Stratford

TOPOGRAPHY - flat land, located on a flood plain. Average topography is around 46ft above sea level

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY -River Lea flows near to the Olympic Village in the west and centre of Stratford. The area is mostly urbanised with some green areas

LAND USE - regeneration has changed the land use from derelict land to more retail and commercial facilities

INFRASTRUCTURE - significant, well served by bus and train routes. Roads are well connected, particularly linking Stratford to Central London

BUILT ENVIRONMENT - 2 shopping centres, offices, modern flats, train station, picture house cinema, Olympic Park, etc

DEMOGRAPHICS - ethnically diverse

ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS - rising house prices, increases in tourism to boost the economy both during and after the Olympic Games

exogenous factors of Stratford

MONEY/INVESTMENT - £9 million of public money was invested into the regeneration of East London

RESOURCES - people and materials brought into the area to undertake regeneration

IDEAS - regeneration schemes, culture and diversity from high levels of immigration

PEOPLE - higher tourist numbers due to available retail and commercial facilities, whilst greater job opportunities have brought workers into the area

history of Stratford

1820 - first dock was built in Stratford, acting as a fairly significant transport hub due to its position between London and eastern England 1839 - Stratford got its own railway station and, over time, a depot and works that built locomotives, coaches and goods wagons 1844 - the Metropolitan Building Act forced noxious industries to move outside of London and Stratford was the first place across the border in Essex, with good road and water connections into the city . Existing mills, distilleries and breweries were joined by engineering works, printers, ink and dye works, alongside every kind of processor or coal, oil, manure and animal bones mid-1800s - estimated 2,500 people working in the railway , leading to a need for more housing and an improved local infrastructure . A new town was built to accommodate railway workers, eventually becoming known as Stratford New Town 1860s - over 20,000 people living and working in the area 1900s - Stratford, like many areas of London, suffered significant de-industrialisation and high unemployment rates 1980s - closing of the London Doc ks because of increases in commercial shipping and containerisation (1950-1975 40,000 jobs lost) 1990s - railway works closed down 2006 - work began on the Olympic Park (11,000 people and 380 businesses had to relocate) 2011 - Westfield Stratford City opened 2012 - Newham was one of the 6 host boroughs for the 2012 Summer Olympics , with Stratford hosting many Olympic facilities

meaning and representation - interview quotes

(qualitative data)

"it no longer feels like "East End""

"with every shiny new bulding that's gone up, a little bit of the character that gave Stratford its appeal is disappearing"

"there is a terrible problem with social housing, with many people living in overcrowded accommodation"

"it feels as though the undesirables are being moved out to make way for the desirables"

"if you are on a low income then you won't stand a chance of buying your own home"

"today I can buy a cappuccio for £5"

"under all the hype there are still very real social problems that were here before the regeneration and still remain today that I feel are deliberately being swept under the carpet"

meaning and representation of Newham

INTERVIEWS - although regeneration projects have built green spaces to be enjoyed by children, there is a resultant lack of community of culture . House prices have risen extortionately , alongside prices of everyday items such as coffee . Therefore, l ocals seem to be more opposed to generation in Stratford because of the lack of benefits for themselves

POETRY - displaying how Newham is an area with high levels of knife and gun crime , particularly impacting on young people . Newham is portrayed negatively , as a area with high levels of crime and gang association from a young age

SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO - Newham is known as the "UK's debt capital" where 22.7% of residents can't pay their bills on time and a quarter face debt problems . The video portrays the levels of poverty within Newham that have not really changed despite the high levels of investment arising from the 2012 Olympic Games

FILM - Ill Manors portrays a negative media persepctive of Newham as a r undown and violent area, underpinned by crime . However, it also shows the Olympic Stadium and Park rising in the background, showing the hope for social change in the area

aims of Stratford regeneration

the London 2012 Legacy was a plan to make sure that the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games had long-term benefits. This legacy was to cover 4 main areas:

EECONOMIC - supporting new jobs and skills, encouraging trade, inward investment and tourism

SPORTS - continue elite success, development of more sports facilities and encouraging participation in sports in both school and wider scenarios

SOCIAL AND VOLUNTEERING - inspiring others to volunteer and encouraging social change

REGENERATION - reuse of venues, new homes, improved transportation in both East London and other locations across the UK

external agents of Stratford regeneration

OLYMPIC BOARD - oversight and co-ordination of the Games

GOVERNMENT OLYMPIC EXECUTIVE - a unit in the DCMs with oversight of the London 2012 project

OLYMPIC PARK REGENERATION STEERING GROUP - oversaw the regeneration legacy for East London and implementation of the Legacy Masterplan Framework

OLYMPIC DELIVERY AUTHORITY - responsibile for delivering the Games' infrastructure and venues

LONDON ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES AND PARALYMPIC GAMES - organised the staging of the Games

LONDON DEVELOPMENT AGENCY - responsible for purchase of the Olympic Park and developing the legacy plans. This was succeeded by the Olympic Park Legacy Company

Pros of Stratford regeneration - SOCIAL

Athletes village relaunched as a housing estate for 8,000 people called the East Village, with 40% of homes being affordable

New school called Chobham Academy ( 1800 students enrolled) to reduce previous schooling pressures

Aquatics centre is now used by the community

Unemployment fell across London during the Olympic period

Cons of Stratford regeneration - SOCIAL

Question whether new housing will actually be affordable, particularly for Newham's poorest households

Very few jobs were actually created for local people

Many boroughs surrounding the Olympic Park remain in poverty

Social housing had to be demolished to make way for the site

Pros of Stratford regeneration - ECONOMIC

£17 billion invested in public transport , so Stratford is now the 2 nd most connected part of London

Revenue generated from selling Olympic venues

Estimated that the Olympics will generate £10 billion in extra income for the UK economy

Cons of Stratford regeneration - ECONOMIC

Olympic Stadium is estimated to have cost £701 million, 3 times the original estimate

Total bill was £8.8 billion of tax payers' money, 5 million over budget

Rents and property prices have resultantly risen

Pros of Stratford regeneration - ENVIRONMENTAL

New green spaces and wildlife habitats have been created

Improved water quality of the River Lea that runs through the Olympic Park

Urban wasteland of the Lower Lea Valley was cleaned up

Olympic Site was built on 560 acres of brownfield land , previously neglected, unused and contaminated

Cons of Stratford regeneration - ENVIRONMENTAL

Much wildlife had to be relocated (including 1 00 toads and 300 common lizards )

Many materials for the stadiums and the Olympic Park came from overseas

The Games produced 3.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide

WINNERS from Stratford regeneration

LOCAL GOVERNMENT - successful rebranding of Stratford seeks to increase tourism in the long-term . It is now East London's primary retail, cultural and leisure centre

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT - tourism revenues, reduced unemployment

PROPERTY DEVELOPERS - revenue made from selling their properties with rising house prices

LOCAL POPULATION - post-Games creation of 110,000 jobs, improved services/transport links , ability to use sports facilities and creation of green spaces

LOSERS from Stratford regeneration

LOCAL POPULATION - l ack of community , continued disruption from on-going development and tourism , lack of affordable housing as promised, rising house prices and continued deprivation in the area

Demographic characteristics of Newham

Popuation: around 330,000

Religion: 40% Christian, 32% Muslim

Ethnicity: 43% Asian/Asian British, 20% Black/Black  British, 17% White/White British

Sex: 52% males and 48% females

Largest age bracket: 30-39, then 20-29

Employment + Qualifications:   12.4% of usual residents with no qualifications,  5.7% unemployed

Economic characteristics of Newham

Unemployment rate of 10%

Largest sector is tertiary

17% of individuals work in wholesale and retail trade, 12% in accommodation and food service activities and 9% in education

Average house price of £355,000

35% owner occupied housing, 34% private rented and 30% social rented

Social characteristics of Newham

Around 28% of children live in l ow income families

One of the 20% most deprived districts in England

Was ranked the 25th most deprived local authority in England in the 2015 Index of Multiple Deprivation, in comparison to 2nd in 2010

49% very good health

2% very bad health

57% achieved 5+A*-C GCSEs including Maths and English

26% live by themselves

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stratford regeneration case study geography a level

IMAGES

  1. Stratford Urban Regeneration GCSE Geography Case Study

    stratford regeneration case study geography a level

  2. Case study

    stratford regeneration case study geography a level

  3. London Stratford regeneration case study

    stratford regeneration case study geography a level

  4. Stratford Case Study

    stratford regeneration case study geography a level

  5. Regeneration trip outline

    stratford regeneration case study geography a level

  6. Lesson 11

    stratford regeneration case study geography a level

VIDEO

  1. Glacial Systems and Landscapes [2] A-Level Geography Revision Blast

  2. Economic Structural Change

  3. Rebranding

  4. POPULATION POLICIES

  5. AQA Geography GCSE

  6. 3) Freiburg. Sustainable living

COMMENTS

  1. Stratford: London, Characteristics & Regeneration Case Study

    The Regeneration of Stratford: A Case Study Stratford's regeneration, greatly sparked by the 2012 Olympics, is a fascinating case study in urban renewal and sustainable development. Stratford's journey from a once industrial area to the flourishing multiculturality it represents provides insights into the transformative impacts of well-planned ...

  2. PDF Case Study: London 2012 Olympics

    Infrastructure-A new Stratford link on the Jubilee line connects the centre of London, opening up greater employment opportunities. -A new 80,000 seater stadium already claimed by West Ham football club, but also to host world events. Environmental Quality-97% of the materials demolished were re-used in the building of the olympic site.

  3. Stratford

    Stratford has the hallmarks of all four major urban regeneration strategies: Sport-led regeneration is clear with the London Stadium, Aquatic Centre and Olympic Games. Tourism-led regeneration is evident because the Olympic Park hosted the Olympic Games. Retail-led regeneration is shown by the construction of a Westfield shopping centre nearby.

  4. Case study: London Olympics 2012

    Over the total period of the Olympics, some sources suggest "the city brought in around US$3.5 billion in revenues, and spent in excess US$18 billion - a negative balance of $14 billion plus" (Zimbalist, 2015). However, many people feel that the London Games were overall a success, and provided a benefit to the city.

  5. Case study

    Case study - urban regeneration in Stratford, London After the closure of many of London's docks in the 1960s, thousands of people lost their jobs. People left the area to look for jobs elsewhere.

  6. CASE STUDY LONDON STRATFORD REGENERATION Flashcards

    After the closure of the London Docks in the 1960s millions lost their jobs. In the 1980s Canary Wharf under went urban regeneration however Stratford (to the North) is one of the most deprived areas in the country. There was a lack of infrastructure and poor environmental quality in the area. 4 aims of the regeneration.

  7. Urban Regeneration in the Lower Lea Valley

    Urban regeneration in London: Lower Lea Valley. The International Olympics Committee selected Stratford in the East of London, as the destination for the 2012 Olympic Games. The location for the games was the Lower Lea Valley in East London, situated north of the London Docklands and mainly within the Borough of Newham.

  8. Stratford, Newham

    Average topography is around 46ft above sea level 2. PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY - River Lea flows near to the Olympic Village in the west and centre of Stratford. The area is mostly urbanised with some green areas 3. LAND USE - regeneration has changed the land use from derelict land to more retail and commercial facilities 4. INFRASTRUCTURE ...

  9. AQA A-Level Geography

    debating the success of Stratford's regeneration. unrealistic for families to afford to live there. had a wider impact on improving deprivation as a result of poorer people emigrating. impacts of regenration. negligible gain of genuinely affordable housing. low-income families can't take advantage of new developments.

  10. PDF 2012 London Olympic Games Legacy

    transport. Stratford is now second only to King's Cross as the most connected part of London. • Facilities such as the aquatics centre will be open to the public for the same cost as other pools in the host boroughs. (www.independant.co.uk) • The area had been completely transformed from 'a place of fridge mountains, distilleries and

  11. Regeneration in the UK

    Local councils. At the local level, local councils act as advisors and facilitators to a lot of these initiatives. The ERDF funds projects at the EU level and many of these happen in the UK. There are several ways to evaluate the need for regeneration. These can be quantitative (numerical data) or qualitative (non-numerical data).

  12. Case study

    Case study - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Case study - urban regeneration in Stratford, London After the closure of many of London's docks in the 1960s, thousands of people lost their jobs.

  13. 5.2.1 Regeneration

    The average household income was about $25,000 in 2015, half the national average. By 2014, two-thirds of Detroit's residents could not afford basic needs like food and fuel; the poverty rate was 38%. Life expectancy in parts of Detroit is just 69 years. Less than 30% of students graduate from high school.

  14. 8C Regeneration Strategies

    8C - Regeneration Strategies. Urban and rural regeneration strategies include retail-led plans, tourism, leisure and sport (London Olympics 2012), public/private rural diversification (Powys Regeneration Partnership). Regeneration often focuses more on economic sectors based on the existing strengths of an area (such as an attractive physical ...

  15. Stratford case study A level geography Flashcards

    Social benefits of Stratford regeneration - By 2030 0ver 10,000 new homes built in the park - A new academy has been built to educate over 2,000 children Economic benefits of Stratford regeneration

  16. AQA A Level Geography: Changing Places Case Study: Stratford (Meaning

    A detailed and comprehensive overview of the qualitative and quantitative ways in which Stratford (east London) is represented. This meets the specification point '3.2.2.2.2 Meaning and representation' section of the AQA A Level Human course. The following methods are covered in this document: Art; Statistics; Maps; Newspaper articles; TV ...

  17. 5.3.3 Rebranding

    Revision notes on 5.3.3 Rebranding for the Edexcel A Level Geography syllabus, written by the Geography experts at Save My Exams. ... Regeneration usually involves some form of rebranding, ... 1.3.2 Multiple-Hazard Zone Case Study; 1.3.3 Theoretical Frameworks; 1.3.4 Mitigation & Adaptation; 2. Glaciated Landscape & Change

  18. PDF Edexcel Geography A-level Regeneration

    will help understand which regeneration project has been more successful, allowing for further analysis of why this is the case and how well it would work elsewhere ( evaluation : a higher level geographic skill). Social progress can be measured by looking at the reductions in inequalities between and within areas.

  19. AQA A Level Geography Changing Places Case Study

    What is the Population Density of Stratford? 6,286/km^2. What is the distance of Stratford from the centre of London? 12.4km. What is the distance of Stratford to Bourton? 193.1km. What is the physical geography of Stratford? - Near the River Lea. - Average altitude of 23 feet above sea level, the highest point being 295 ft.

  20. REGENERATION all Case Studies A Level Edexcel Geography

    Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like STRATFORD before regeneration, Project included...., Stratford Economic Benefits x3 and more. ... REGENERATION all Case Studies A Level Edexcel Geography. Flashcards. Learn. ... REGENERATION all Case Studies A Level Edexcel Geography. Flashcards. Learn.

  21. PDF Edexcel Geography A-level Regenerating Places

    Life Expectancy and General Health - There is a positive correlation between the level of income and an individual's life expectancy. There are many reasons for this inequality in health: Type of Employment - manual, hazardous outdoor working conditions, exposure to chemicals, etc. www.pmt.education

  22. Stratford, Newham

    Average topography is around 46ft above sea level. PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY -River Lea flows near to the Olympic Village in the west and centre of Stratford. The area is mostly urbanised with some green areas. LAND USE - regeneration has changed the land use from derelict land to more retail and commercial facilities

  23. Regeneration case studies a level edexcdel geography

    Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Successful regions: San Francisco Bay area, Unsuccessful region: The Rust Belt, USA, There is a range of ways to evaluate the need for regeneration. a. The use of statistical evidence to determine the need for regeneration in your chosen local place. () (5) b. Different media can provide contrasting evidence, questioning the need ...