London Docklands 1Explain what London Docklands was used

London Docklands 1)Explain what London Docklands was used for. 2)Explain why London Docklands needed rebuilding. 3)What was set up in 1981? What were the aims of this? 4)Give two environmental changes due to the LDDC. 5)Give two economic changes due to the LDDC. 6)Give two social changes due to the LDDC. 7)Explain the problems of the LDDC plan.

The History of London Docklands The London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) London Docklands was used for shipping and off loading products from around the world! It provided jobs for thousands of dock workers and the area was rich. In 1981 the LDDC was set up to try and change the London Docklands and bring life and wealth back into it Container ships were invented and they were too big to get to the London Docklands. 20, 000 people lost jobs as the port was moved to an area where the ships could reach. Severe bombing during the war left the area completely destroyed and with little money or hopes to rebuild. 60% of the land was left derelict (unused) The London Docklands Was the plan a success? Successes - more trade for local shop keepers - cheaper rents here for large companies and the benefit of only being 10 minutes from central London - a wide range of economic, environmental and social benefits - greatly improved accessibility in and out of docklands - land, housing and commercial property markets in the area. The LDDC had 4 aims: 1) Ensure housing is available to all (rich and poor) 2) Support businesses that were already there 3) Bring land buildings back into use 4) Create an attractive environment Problems -there were criticisms that despite the improvements many of these didn't benefit the original 'eastenders' - many locals were unable to afford the high costs of the new expensive houses / flats - despite an increase in jobs with new businesses coming in, most required skills that the old dockers did not have; What changes were made? Environmental changes - creation of new open spaces (150 ha) - planting of 200, 000 trees and opening of London's first bird sanctuary - the area has now received many awards for architecture, conservation and landscaping Economic changes (money) -unemployment had fallen from 14% to 7. 4 % with a doubling in employment and numbers of businesses; -Billions of pounds invested in companies and businesses - Building of the City Airport in the former Royal Docks (500, 000+ passengers a year) Social changes £ 10 million spent on improvement council and housing association homes - a total of 22, 000 new homes built - Large new shopping centre at Canary Wharf with over 30 shops - many restaurants, pubs and cafes built - £ 100 million spent on health, education, job training etc.