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Changes in the Central Areas of Cities
Traditionally businesses, especially retailing were concentrated in the CBD. Without these businesses
there would be no work or wages. Businesses are the economic lifeblood of cities and in particular the
CBD. Therefore the CBD is very important.
Up until the 1970s there were 3 types of retail in cities:
 CBD – Department stores & specialist shops
 Shopping parades – Small groups of shops along main roads
 Corner shops – Small shops scattered in the inner city.
Changes in the 1960s
In the 1960s there was comprehensive redevelopment of many inner cities and CBDs. Much of the
historic core was bulldozed to make way for shopping centres e.g. Bullring. However many of these
buildings were ugly – concrete.
Many ugly, concrete tower blocks were also built which would cause problems in the future.
Efforts were also made to make the CBD suitable for cars:
 Inner ring-roads
 Urban motorway
 Multi-storey car parks
Problems:
 Increased traffic & pollution.
 Many small retailers were forced out because of high rates to pay for development. Therefore
chain stores move in.
 Rigid zoning policies introduced which discouraged activities other than commerce in CBDs. This
led to the decline of residential areas and so the centre was a ghost town at night. People move to
the suburbs or New Towns. People were now more mobile so decentralisation.
 Growth of out-of-town retailing lead to decentralisation
Attempts were made in the late 1960s to maintain culture & character of city centres with the use of
traditional materials and smaller developments.
1967 Civic Amenities Act – Encouraged the conservation of historical areas & listed buildings. It also
made money available to restore historic parts of the urban environment.
1970s
The threefold classification of retail still exists but there is now also the out-of-town shopping centre.
These have become increasingly important retail areas. This has forced considerable investment in the
CBD to try & reverse the decline of the CBD.
Decline of the CBD
There are 4 main processes leading to the decline of city centres:
 Counter-urbanisation – Movement away from cities
 Decentralisation – Movement away from city centres particularly businesses.
 De-industrialisation – Decline of secondary industry
 Suburbanisation – Movement of people to the rural-urban fringe. There is less pollution, easier
transport and better quality housing.
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There are many reasons for the redistribution of people away from city centres.
Pull factors
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Greenfield sites – Good accessibility to motorways
Cheaper land – decline of farming forces farmers to sell up
Plenty of space for expansion & car parks
More pleasant working environment
Less pollution
Planning policies encourage movement of people – establishment of New Towns etc.
Redevelopment of inner cities forces businesses & people to relocate
Fewer planning restrictions initially
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Improved Quality of Life – larger, modern housing
Low density housing
Large gardens
Easy access to modern conveniences & services.
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Changes in lifestyle with the development of out-of-town shopping centres
Customers save time & money from shopping under 1 roof rather
than travelling into city centres. People travel further to shop, as
they are more mobile. People now buy in bulk so supermarkets are
easier.
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Better transport & communication – New motorways & main roads provide easy access to the
suburbs. There is also access to airports for business.
Push Factors
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CBD has high land values due to competition
Lack of space leading to high-density construction – not room for modern superstores.
Large scale commuting due to small residential population. This causes problems of traffic
congestion, pollution and car-parking problems – Greater stress.
Most towns can’t cope with the volume of traffic despite the high concentration of major roads,
bus and rail etc.
Less need for communication so similar businesses no longer need to be near each other e.g.
jewellery sector, due to Internet, phones faxes etc.
Most businesses today are footloose so do not need specific locations in CBD.
Many people were forced out by slum clearance.
Huge job losses in Inner city areas as businesses close or relocate.
Effect of Decline of CBDs
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The trickle of people and businesses becomes a flight.
Downward spiral of decline leading to larger areas of discard.
Environmental decay – derelict land & buildings.
Crime & vandalism increases in derelict areas.
A “Dead Heart” is created in city centres.
Ghettos & slums form where disadvantaged people are concentrated in the city centre.
Commuting & traffic congestion increases in out-of-town locations
Local authorities are poorer due to less taxes so less investment.
High unemployment in inner city areas.