Following external shocks, such as shifts in technologies (like containerisation, ICT innovations and fintech) or major conflicts (like World War II), city managers must assess what elements of a place can be restored, what must be replaced, and what can be renewed, in order to find a viable and, hopefully, sustainable way forward.

One way to do this is for the city to assess the strengths and weaknesses of its material and social context, as well as the opportunities and threats they face. London’s South Bank (from Waterloo up through Butler’s Wharf), and part of its North bank (from St Paul’s to the LSE) presents an extraordinary case of culture-led regenerationthrough which to examine these vital local economic processes.

Similarly, East London’s so called ‘Silicon Roundabout and Tech City provide a prime case of urban regeneration through ICT, innovation and R&D.

On the other hand, London has a famous stock of some incredible green spaces, many of which may contribute to an eco-tourism strategy that might help spur a more sustainable local economic regeneration. Whichever case you decide to follow, you will examine in what ways certain strategies have been implemented, and to what extent they have, and are, working (perceived or proven).

Whichever case you decide to follow, you will examine in what ways certain strategies have been implemented, and to what extent they have, and are, working (perceived or proven).

Your London Themes

Cultural industries as an engine for economic Regeneration

The deployment of culture as an engine for economic development has become a valuable tool for city managers the world over. From Barcelona to Bangkok, museums, theatres, street-food, café-cultures, cultural heritage sites, landmark features, TV, film and music industries – to name but a few – have all become powerful drivers for regeneration and growth.

London is a city steeped in culture. In particular, around the South Bank area one is surrounded by a deep-rooted history that is brought to life through the culture of the place. It is inescapable. As you undertake these two self-guided walks, ask yourselves, in what ways have cultural heritage and practices been utilised to help stimulate economic regeneration? What evidence of this do we see in the landscape?

Regeneration through IT, R&D and innovation

Innovation can be a driver of long-term economic development because it is a primary channel through which improved knowledge is applied to economic processes, thereby spurring growth. Research and development (R&D) provides an essential foundation for innovation, especially in today’s economy, where information and communication technology (ICT) is a primary industry with huge potential for economic stimulation.

As a result, city managers around the world seek to understand what potential their local areas have for prompting regeneration and development through ICT, R&D and innovation. As part of it’s local economic development strategy, London has sought to spur sustainable economic growth and regeneration through the integration of advanced technologies, looking for complementarities and synergies between existing strengths (e.g. its local industrial clusters, smart specialisation, digital skills, ‘local creative scenes’ etc.) and new opportunities (e.g. fintech and 5G).

As you undertake your self-guided walk around the Silicon Roundabout and Tech City area of East London, you will explore in what ways the area has encouraged the growth of a vibrant ITC sector, and what more can be done.

Regeneration through sustainable eco-tourism

The United Nations Environment Program and UN World Tourism Organization define sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.” In recent years, London has tried to boost its valuable tourism industry on a sustainable basis, aiming to minimize the negative impacts of tourism on its natural environment, while maximizing the positive effects that tourism can have for the city. Sustainable eco-tourism takes this commitment further, asking the tourist industry to place the preservation and enhancement of the natural environment at the heart of any strategy, as well as bringing education to the fore.

As you undertake your self-guided walk around Richmond Park and perhaps visit the London Wetlands Centre in Barnes, you will explore in what ways such areas are able to contribute to a sustainable and eco-tourism model of regeneration, or maybe they need to evolve toward regenerative strategies?

Essential materials 

GY247 London Alternative Assessment Instructions

Poster Marking Criteria

Walk 1: Renewal, Culture and Conflict in Urban Regeneration | A walk from Butler’s Wharf to Borough Market

The purpose of this walk is for you to observe and experience the outcomes of diverse culture-ledregeneration initiatives, providing you the opportunity to reflect on the theoretical implications of what you discover and/or perceive.

The walk explores three themes that fit within the broad subject of urban regeneration:

• The cultural production of urban space 
• Social conflict
• Renewal 

Walk 2: Culture-Led Regeneration Writ Large | A ‘circular’ walk from Somerset House to Temple Bar

This walk will take you from Somerset House on the Strand, across the Hungerford Bridge, along to the Millennium Bridge where we will go back across the river towards St Paul’s Cathedral and then along Fleet Street to Temple Bar.

Similar to Walk One of this London Alternative series, the purpose of this walk is for you to observe and reflect on the outcomes of diverse culture-led regeneration initiatives and the theoretical implications of what you discover and/or perceive.

Walk 3: Regeneration Through ICT, Innovation and R&D | A ‘circular’ walk around the Silicon Roundabout and Tech City Area

This self-guided walk is specifically designed to help you explore how the innovative ICT industries can help spur urban regeneration and local economic development.

The walk will take you around the area known as Silicon Roundabout and Tech City, the evolution of which offers an interesting case study in the dynamics of ICT, Innovation and R&D-led urban regeneration.

The Silicon Roundabout, initially a term coined in jest in 2008, refers to a collection of tech start-ups located around the Old Street roundabout in London. This area has since evolved into a cluster known as Tech City, driven by both organic growth and targeted government support.

Walk 4: Regeneration through sustainable eco-tourism

Starting at the main entrance to Richmond Park on Richmond Hill – Richmond Gate – this self-guided walk takes you to the glories of Richmond Park, Richmond. In addition, you can take an optional visit to the London Wetlands Centre, Barnes.