The research focuses on a new approach to the regeneration and revitalisation of the British city centre: the contribution of the development of residential repopulation to economic viability and social viability. This approach gained prominence following the government's recent policy statements, including the 2000 Urban White Paper, with a renewed emphasis being placed on encouraging people back to live in city centres to contribute to an 'urban renaissance'. Through surveys of residents in Swansea and Bristol city centres, this research examines the characteristics and views of city centre residents living in a variety of housing types. Particular groups appear suited to city centre life, such as the young and those employed locally. The most attractive housing is typically in single-use areas more distant from core retail and entertainment zones. It is argued that a process of 'residentialisation' rather than gentrification is operating in terms of residential development, and that new residents are 'pioneers' rather than gentrifiers. Perceived advantages of city centre life are convenience-based or lifestyle-based, and the main disadvantages are those of noise, traffic and crime. Use of the daytime city centre is frequent for all residents, but use of the night-time city is largely restricted to the young, partly because of fears experienced by other groups. This acts against the vision of a vibrant and inclusive twenty-four city. Claims for increased sustainability gain patchy support and new development is best viewed in terms of regeneration rather than sustainability. Urban regeneration is seen as underpinned by a vision of an 'urban idyll' which includes certain social groups while excluding others. Tensions exist between the promotion of a new idyll of urban living and the creation of a more inclusive society.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:639156 |
| Date | January 2003 |
| Creators | Tallon, A. R. |
| Publisher | Swansea University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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