As a city well researched as a site of urban conflict, segregation and fear, this thesis will look to demonstrate the theoretical appeal of neoliberalism in Belfast. Looking at the re-discovery and regeneration of the Cathedral Quarter area, it will evaluate the performance of neoliberal urbanism in terms of its effects, and contradictions as well as its local challenges. By grounding neoliberalism as an urban process, the research will illustrate if and how it is possible to counter its logics, methods of working as well as identify any implications for resistance. In particular, it will draw attention to the different behaviors of local, sometimes marginal interests that have looked to challenge, adapt and divert this extension of market-led renewal over time. ยท The thesis uses secondary census data, a land use survey, a business survey and semi-structured in-depth interviews to explore the making of the Cathedral Quarter as a becoming neoliberal space. A new high-end theatre and arts venue, the relocation of the University of Ulster's campus and a proposal for a1major retail complex illustrate the growing momentum of market-led renewal, but not all developments in the area are dictated by this logic and in particular the research seeks out potential expressions of alternative economic, social and cultural space. By studying further the rationales behind the different responses to market-led renewal over time, the thesis will then demonstrate how it may be of some value to resist neoliberal urbanism where it 'actually exists'. Finally, through developing a more nuanced understanding of how neoliberal urbanism is transmitted it may also present an opportunity to articulate what more progressive and socially useful forms of urban 'resistance' might look like.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:680083 |
| Date | January 2015 |
| Creators | Grounds, Andrew |
| Publisher | Queen's University Belfast |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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