docklands
London Docklands Regeneration Richard Willis The London Docklands have, in historical terms, been the engine room of London’s economy, however things have not always been this way. In the past when the Docklands were indeed literally docklands, London was one of the worlds leading ports with tall ships arriving from all over the world on a daily basis with all sorts of cargo. ... However, as the worlds shipping fleet lessened and trade and transport via ships decreased, also did the need for ports and docklands around the world, including the London Docklands. During the 1960’s and 1970’s the London Docklands went through a period of steep decline, with extremely large numbers of people being made unemployed. ... Local shipyard workers and docklands employees were forced to move to where there was work. ... The Docklands that were once bustling warehouses and ports were now deserted and neglected. ... When comparing the London Docklands 30 years ago to what they look like now is quite unbelievable. ... Today’s docklands are very modern office buildings such as Canary Wharf and also luxury apartment blocks that can be found along the riverbanks. The London Docklands are situated in the east of London on the banks of the River Thames. The docklands stretch a considerable length down the river right through east London. Some of the most famous places in the docklands are the Isle of Dogs and The Royal Docks, which is where a considerable amount of the regeneration work has been carried out. Three London boroughs are included in the land that is covered by the docklands. ... The aims of this essay are to address the London Docklands Development Commissions (LDDC) attempts at regeneration. ... The economy of the area had been wrecked by the closure of the docklands and the population fell by 20% between 1971 and 1981. ... Because of the economic downfall, by 1981, 60% of the docklands area was derelict. ... The environmental side of the derelict docklands is also a serious matter. ... Housing within the docklands of pre 1981 London was in dire straits as well. ... Local governments and the local communities were not exactly on the best of terms pre 1981 due to the mass redundancies and the state of the docklands in general. ... Private investment within the docklands has also played a huge part of the regeneration process with the likes of hotels being opened. ... The London Docklands Development Corporation was established on the 2nd of July 1981 and was set up to deal with the severe economic, physical and social damage caused by the closure of the London docks. ... After many years of talking and plans for the future the London Docklands Development Corporation was finally developed. ... The idea behind this was to encourage development within the docklands. ... Transport: It had been recognised for some time that transport links had to be greatly improved in and out of the area of the docklands. ... There is also the development of the London City Airport that was created in the docklands. Numerous extensions and improvements were planned for the Underground to better the transport links in an out of the docklands area. Many improvements were planned for the Underground with the intention that it would not only improve the docklands area but London’s Underground as a whole. ... The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) was eventually created after a few ideas had been put forward.