East London Docklands - Large scale urban policy

• What were the negatives of the regeneration of the East London Docklands? 


  New jobs went to people living outside the area, as local people did not have the technical skills. This is because a lot of the new jobs created were in finance/media industries - using high tech equipment.

  A lot of new housing is far too expensive for the locals.
• Why was regeneration needed in the London Docklands?

  • Loss of the docks due to containerisation, this meant that there was a loss of jobs in the area, particularly the men that worked in the shipping industry
  • Between 1970 and 1980 there was 30,000 jobs lost, with in 1981 50% of the Docklands being derelict
  • Unemployment levels were at 21% with males at 24%, which was twice the national average
  • There was inadequate transport links by both road and rail meaning that people didn’t invest in the area as it couldn’t be accessed easily
• What were the positives of the regeneration of the East London Docklands?


  • The docklands now contains some of the world biggest banks including HSBC, Barclays and Merrill Lynch Bank of America
  • There is now 14 million square feet of office and retail space. Many buildings include a canteen, gym, etc which helps businesses attract staff. 
  • In 2000 only 28,000 people worked there compared to 105,000 people now working there
• How was the London Docklands regenerated?


  • 50,000 new homes have been built since 1981
  • £20 million was spent on environmental and community projects including local parks and gardens
  • The Docklands light Railway opened in 1987, costing £73 million. It operates a full time service from Canary wharf to Lewisham.
  • By 1988, 600 hectares of land were reclaimed. Parks and riverside paths were developed, with old houses made to look better
  • London Dockland Development Corporation has attracted investment into the area e.g. HSBC physically regenerated the city