Intermediate Geography
Human Environments: Urban Change
A Case Study of Glasgow
Iain Aitken
The following diagrams have been reproduced from National Qualification
Exam Papers with the kind permission of the Scottish Qualifications Authority:
Figure 2.2
Urban Transect
Figure 3.4
Recognising Inner City Areas on OS Maps
Figure 3.5
Recognising Inter War Areas on OS Maps
Figure 3.6
Recognising Suburbs on OS Maps
Figure 4.2
Tenement Demolition
Figure 7.2
Model of a New Town
Figure 8.1
Tenement Renovation
Figure 11.1
Location of Glasgow Harbour
Figure 13.2
Reasons for Urban Sprawl
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
2
Contents
Section
Title
1
Glasgow: Location and Growth
4
2
The Structure of Cities
6
3
Recognising Urban Areas on Maps
9
4
Glasgow’s Housing Problem
12
5
The Council Estates
15
6
The High Rise Flats
16
7
The New Towns
17
8
Tenement Renovation
18
9
Transport Problems in Glasgow
19
10
Changes in Shopping
22
11
Urban Regeneration Projects
24
12
Gentrification
26
13
Urban Sprawl
28
14
Glossary
30
Intermediate Geography
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Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
3
1 Glasgow: Location and Growth
Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city with a population of around 580,000 people. It is
located in west central Scotland, on the River Clyde (see Figure 1.1). Glasgow’s
riverside location was vitally important in the city’s development, firstly as a trading
port and then as major shipbuilding centre.
Figure 1.1 The Location of Glasgow
Loch
Lomond
Key
Campsie Fells
Greenock
Land over 200m
Renfrew
Heights
Port
Glasgow
Clydebank
GLASGOW
Paisley
Hamilton
Firth
0
10
20km
River
Clyde
of
Clyde
The growth of Glasgow can be divided into a number of periods:
Medieval Glasgow (before 1600)
The city of Glasgow was founded in the 6th century when Saint Mungo established a
church on the north side of the river, near to the present day Glasgow Cathedral. A
ford across the shallow river allowed a north-south routeway to develop. The
establishment of a market in the twelfth century encouraged trade, but growth
remained quite slow until 1600.
17th and 18th Centuries
During the 17th century the straightening and dredging of the River Clyde allowed
bigger boats upstream, and the town became the west of Scotland’s main port. Prior
to this, large boats could only unload further down the Clyde estuary which led to the
development of the town of Port Glasgow. Glasgow’s trade was mainly with the
Americas, especially in tobacco, cotton and sugar. Quaysides, such as the
Broomielaw, were established along the river.
19th Century Glasgow
The Industrial Revolution during the nineteenth century allowed Glasgow to grow
rapidly. A former student of Glasgow University, James Watt, was responsible for
improving the steam engine and this allowed factories to be powered cheaply using
coal from nearby Ayrshire and Lanarkshire. The manufacturing of iron, steel and
textiles became common and these were soon followed by shipbuilding along the
river. By the end of the nineteenth century Glasgow was the "Second City of the
British Empire" and was producing most of the ships and locomotives in the world.
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
4
During this period Glasgow’s population also grew at an incredible rate. Workers
flocked to Glasgow from all over rural Scotland and Ireland in search of jobs and
wealth. Large areas of tenement housing (such as Partick, Govan and the Gorbals)
were built to house hundreds of thousands of workers.
20th Century
Although the city’s reputation for manufacturing and its population declined steadily
through the twentieth century, Glasgow still continues to expand in size. Large
housing estates such as Easterhouse and Drumchapel were built on the edge of the
city during the 1950s and 1960s to house people moved from the inner city slums.
New private housing areas continue to emerge at the city’s edge, including the
suburbs of Bishopbriggs and Newton Mearns.
Task 1: The Growth of Glasgow
Referring to pages 4 and 5, answer the questions below.
(a)
Who founded the city of Glasgow?
(b)
What changes to the River Clyde allowed Glasgow to become a busy port?
(c)
What were the three main products that were traded in the port of Glasgow?
(d)
What piece of technology allowed the industrial revolution to gather speed?
(e)
What powered Glasgow’s factories and where did this resource come from?
(f)
Why did Glasgow earn the name “The Second City of the Empire”?
(g)
Where did the workers come from to work in Glasgow?
(h)
What changes occurred at the city’s edge during the twentieth century?
(i)
Complete Supplementary Worksheet 1 (page 32) to show the changes in
Glasgow’s population between 1800 and the present day.
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
5
2 The Structure of Cities
Most cities in the developed world have distinctive areas or zones of land use. One
way of illustrating this is the Concentric Ring Model. This is shown in Figure 2.1.
Figure 2.1 Concentric Ring Model of Towns and Cities
Key
1 Central Business District (CBD)
2 Factories
3 Workers Housing
}
Inner City
4 Inter-War Housing (1919-1938)
5 Modern Suburbs (since 1945)
As the city expands, newer buildings are built further away from the city centre and
oldest part of town. During the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, many cities
in Britain such as Glasgow, London and Manchester began to expand rapidly as
industries were set up, initially on the edge of the town. People were attracted into
these settlements for work and zones of housing grew up near the factories and
industrial areas.
Through the twentieth century, cities across Britain continued to grow outwards.
Improvements in public transport (trams, trains and buses) and the huge increase in
car ownership since the 1950s meant that people did not have to live right next to
their workplace. They could choose to live in the suburbs, where the environment
was cleaner, greener and quieter and they could commute to jobs in the city centre.
The changes in land use can also be shown using an urban transect (see Figure 2.2)
Figure 2.2 Urban Transect
CBD
offices & shops
(oldest area)
Inner City
factories & tenements
(19th Century)
Inter War
Housing
(1919 -1938)
Modern
Suburbs
(since 1945)
Greenbelt
The main urban zones found in Glasgow are shown in Figure 2.3.
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
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Land Use in Glasgow
Glasgow has a lot of similarities with the ring model. All the different zones shown in
Figures 2.1 and 2.2 can be identified within Glasgow.
There are also differences. Glasgow was a major industrial city and as a result has a
very large inner city area where the factories and shipyards were located. Glasgow’s
inner city does not form a nice ring around the CBD because much of the industry
was based near the River Clyde. Workers in the docks and shipyards lived nearby in
tenement housing; examples of these areas in Glasgow include the Gorbals, Govan
and Partick which all border the river.
Glasgow also has large areas of older, high quality housing built at the end of the
nineteenth century, including Cathcart and Kelvinside. These areas were home to the
wealthier classes who chose to live away from the deprivation and pollution of the
inner city. Factory owners chose Kelvinside in Glasgow’s “West End” as a place to
live as it was unlikely the prevailing winds from the west would blow the smoke from
the factory chimneys towards their large mansions and townhouses.
Task 2: The Structure of Cities
Refer to pages 6, 7 and 8 and answer the questions below.
(a)
When did cities in Britain start to grow rapidly?
(b)
Name two land uses found in inner city areas.
(c)
What two transport developments allowed people to move out to the suburbs?
(d)
Using Figure 2.3, within Glasgow name three areas:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(e)
in the inner city
of older high quality housing
of housing built between the two world wars
of council estates built since 1945.
Why did areas such as Kelvinside become popular places to stay with
Glasgow’s wealthy classes?
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Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
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Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
Newton Mearns*
Pollok
CBD
Castlemilk
King’s Park
*
Key
Rutherglen*
Parkhead
Dennistoun
0
Easterhouse
5km
N
Housing areas outside Glasgow city boundary
Council Housing Estates (since 1950)
Inter War Housing (1919-1939)
Older High Quality Housing (1880-1920)
Inner City Factories & Tenements (pre 1900)
Central Business District
River Clyde
Robroyston
Bishopbriggs*
Springburn
Gorbals
Cathcart
Giffnock*
Govan
Cardonald
Crookston
Kelvinside
Maryhill
Partick
Knightswood
Drumchapel
Bearsden*
Figure 2.3 Land Use Zones in Glasgow
8
3 Recognising Different Urban Areas on Maps
1. The Central Business District (CBD)
The CBD is the oldest part of town and has many old buildings such as churches,
cathedrals and museums. It is also the most accessible part of town; many roads
meet here and the main bus and railway stations are found here. Public buildings
such as the town hall and tourist information centre are also located in the CBD.
As the CBD is very accessible and has a large number of people passing through, it
has many services, including shops, offices, bars and restaurants. Property prices
are expensive, so buildings are tightly packed and built upwards to make up for the
lack of space. Only businesses like large retail chains and major banks can afford
the high property prices and rent. As a result few people live in the CBD.
Figure 3.1 Recognising the CBD on OS Maps
railway station
tourist
information
many
churches
town hall
bus station
many roads
converge
2. The Inner City
Inner city areas include a mixture of industry, warehousing and housing built for
workers during the nineteenth century. They are high density areas, often with grid
iron street patterns. Some areas, such as the Gorbals in Glasgow, have undergone
urban renewal and redevelopment.
Figure 3.2 Recognising the Inner City on OS Maps
Very large buildings
(factories)
Long rows of tenements
(terraced housing in
England)
Housing next to factories
as there was no public
transport in the
nineteenth century
Grid-iron street pattern
Often adjacent to
railways and canals
Intermediate Geography
High density, few
open spaces
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
9
3. Inter War Housing
During the 1920s and 30s, Glasgow’s rail and tram network allowed people to live
further away from the polluted city centre, in more pleasant surroundings. Housing
estates were carefully planned and the houses built were detached or semi-detached
with large gardens, with parks and schools nearby. Examples of these estates in
Glasgow include Scotstoun, Mosspark and Cardonald.
Figure 3.2 Recognising Inter War Areas on OS Maps
“Curvilinear” (geometric)
street patterns with
straight avenues and
long crescents
Open spaces
and parks
Lower density
Detached and
semi-detached
housing, with
large gardens
Cul-de-sacs
4. Post War Suburbs
Housing estates built since 1945 have been built to cater for people with cars. Street
layouts include cul-de-sacs (dead end streets) and twisting crescents to force drivers
to slow down or avoid these areas altogether, making it safer and quieter for families
who live there.
Figure 3.4 Recognising Suburbs on OS Maps
Housing type likely
to be detached and
semi-detached villas
Pleasant
environment, near
the edge of the city
Many Crescents
and cul-de sacs to
reduce through
traffic
Modern suburbs
usually have good
road and rail access
to the city centre
Many of these areas are low density private estates and contain expensive detached
villas with gardens and driveways. Examples of post war suburb areas around
Glasgow include Bearsden to the north and Newton Mearns to the south.
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
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Task 3
Refer to pages 9 and 10 and then answer the questions below:
(a)
What evidence can usually be found in the CBD to show this is the oldest part
of town?
(b)
Explain why many services are found in the CBD.
(c)
Why do so few people live in the CBD?
(d)
Why were the tenements built right next to the factories?
(e)
During the 1920s and 30s what allowed more people to live further away from
the centre of the city?
(f)
Describe how modern housing estates are planned with safety in mind.
(g)
What type of housing is found in the modern suburbs?
(h)
Name two of Glasgow’s modern suburbs.
Map Tasks: Glasgow OS Map
Using the Ordnance Survey map of Glasgow (from the 2001 General Paper), answer
the questions below:
(a)
Name the two squares where Glasgow’s CBD is located. Give five pieces of
map evidence (including 6 figure grid references where possible) to back up
your answer.
(b)
For the 6 areas listed below; identify in which zone of the city they are located
and give a period (for example nineteenth century) when the area was built.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(c)
Describe the urban environment of the two areas below (mention house type,
age of housing, density and describe the street patterns)
(i)
(ii)
(d)
6165 (Dennistoun)
5862 (Govanhill)
5770 (Summerston)
5765 (Finnieston)
5463 (Mosspark)
5166 (Dean Park)
5763 (Pollokshields)
6270 (Bishopbriggs)
What map evidence is there along the River Clyde that this is industrial? Give
three examples with grid references in your answer
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Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
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4 Glasgow’s Housing Problem
By 1945, it was clear Glasgow had a major housing problem. The tenements, which
had been built to house most of the industrial workers during the late nineteenth
century, were in a dreadful state and were not suitable for life in the late twentieth
century.
Figure 4.1 Tenement Block in Govanhill
The tenements flats were very small and overcrowded; often families of 7 or 8 lived
cramped in one or two rooms. These houses lacked electricity, running water,
central heating, inside toilets or gardens. Inside the houses, the rooms were usually
dark and damp and respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis and bronchitis were
very common due to the overcrowding. The unhealthy conditions were made worse
by the smoke and chemical pollutants which came from nearby factories. As a result
life expectancy in tenement areas like the Gorbals was often no more than 50. In
addition the tenement closes were often infested with rats.
Comprehensive Redevelopment
After the war, it was clear that something major needed to be done. The decision
was taken to carry out a policy of comprehensive redevelopment where large areas
of tenements were completed bulldozed (see Figure 4.2).
Figure 4.2 Comprehensive Redevelopment
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
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Across the city, 29 inner city slum areas (known as Comprehensive Development
Areas or CDAs) were marked for total demolition, including parts of Govan, Partick,
Springburn and the Gorbals. The areas are shown on Figure 4.3.
Figure 4.3 Glasgow’s Comprehensive Development Areas
Key
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Maryhill
North Kelvinside
Hamilton Hill
Possil Park
Springburn
Sighthill
Garnet Hill
Cowcaddens
Townhead
Royston Hill
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Wellpark
Whiteinch
Partick
Anderston
Glasgow Cross
Gallowgate
Elder Park
Govan
Kinning Park
Shields Road
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
Laurieston
Hutchesontown (Gorbals)
Bridgeton
Govanhill
Polmadie
Parkhead
Shettleston
Tollcross
Pollokshaws
Comprehensive Redevelopment took place in Glasgow between 1957 and 1975 and
was responsible for enormous changes to the inner city. For instance, not one single
Victorian tenement was left standing in the Gorbals.
The areas of Kinning Park, Anderston, Cowcaddens and Townhead were demolished
to make way for the new M8 motorway which would run straight through the city
centre.
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
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The process of massive demolition meant that there was an urgent need for a
massive amount of new housing for those moved out of the inner city areas.
Housing Solutions
Glasgow used four different solutions to house those who had been displaced. These
strategies are shown in Figure 4.4
Figure 4.4 Solutions to Glasgow’s Housing Problem
Solutions to
Glasgow’s
Housing Problem
A
B
C
D
Build large
council estates
on the edge of
the city e.g.
Castlemik,
Easterhouse,
Drumchapel
Build new
housing (high
flats) within the
redeveloped
areas (CDAs)
e.g. The Gorbals,
Springburn
Build complete
new towns for
the overspill
population e.g.
East Kilbride,
Cumbernauld,
Irvine
Renovate the
tenements
which remain
Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8 (pages 15 to 18) will consider the successes and problems of
each of these strategies.
Task 4: Glasgow’s Housing Problem
Refer to pages 12, 13 and 14 then answer the questions below.
(a)
Draw a detailed spider or star diagram to show the main problems of
Glasgow’s tenements at the end of the Second World War.
(b)
What is “comprehensive redevelopment”?
(c)
When did comprehensive redevelopment take place in Glasgow?
(d)
What areas were demolished to make way for the M8 motorway?
(e)
Using Figure 4.3 name five other areas across Glasgow’s inner city that were
completely demolished.
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
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5 The Council Estates
Glasgow Corporation (city council) originally planned to build low density, semidetached council houses at the city’s edge. Houses would have gardens and be set
in pleasant surroundings. However the high cost and large amounts of land required,
meant cheaper 3 and 4 storey blocks of tenement style flats were built instead. A
total of 200,000 people were relocated to four main areas during the 1950s and
1960s - Castlemilk, Drumchapel, Easterhouse and Pollok.
Figure 5.1 Four Storey Council Flats in Pollok
Problems in the Council Estates
Often families had little say in where they were moved to which led to the close-knit
community spirit of the old inner city areas being destroyed. The planners forgot
about shops, pubs, cinemas and community buildings and provided few workplaces.
For instance Drumchapel had only post office, one telephone box and a half hourly
bus service to the city centre. Those without cars were left feeling isolated.
As people did not appreciate their new areas, parts of these estates became run
down and gained a reputation for crime. Families moved out, leaving empty houses
prone to vandalism and many streets fell into disrepair. Glasgow City Council has
been forced to spend large sums improving these areas over the last decade,
installing new windows, heating systems, kitchens and bathrooms to improve the
quality of life. To improve security CCTV cameras and wardens have also been
introduced.
The worst areas of derelict housing in Easterhouse and Pollok have actually been
demolished, less than four decades after they were built.
Task 5: The Council Estates
(a)
What type of housing was built in the new council estates?
(b)
What were the four main council estates built around Glasgow?
(c)
Explain in detail why people were unhappy at being moved to these estates.
(d)
Describe how the housing in these estates has been improved in recent years.
(e)
Have these estates been a success? Give a reason for your answer.
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
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6 The High Rise Flats
As the option of building council estates on the edge of the city was very expensive,
the space cleared by the demolition of tenements in the inner city could be used to
construct high rise flats, a cheaper and quicker option to rehouse thousands of
families.
Glasgow built more of these tower blocks flats than any other city in Europe; over
300 in total were constructed. Astonishingly, Glasgow had solved its housing crisis in
only a couple of decades, or so it seemed.
Problems of the High Rise Flats
Figure 6.1 A Gorbals Tower Block
It soon became evident these tower blocks
had a number of problems. They were
based on designs from the south of France.
In the rainy west of Scotland, dampness
quickly spread from the flat roofs; this was
made worse by poor materials and neglect.
The high rise flats also had social
problems; families often felt detached and
isolated when living on the twentieth floor.
The situation was made worse when the
lifts were out of action or vandalised.
Families refused to live in these blocks and
they moved out. The empty flats attracted
squatters, drug dealers and vandalism. By
1987, Glasgow Council had given up trying
to repair and rent out many of the flats
which had been empty. Over 100 of these
tower blocks have since been demolished,
less than 30 years after they were built,
with more awaiting demolition.
The high rise flats which remain have been significantly improved. Flats have been
modernised and to improve safety and security CCTV cameras and entry phone
systems have been installed. Entrance foyers are fitted with security lighting and
some tower blocks have 24 hour wardens.
Task 6: Glasgow’s High Rise Flats
(a)
Why was Glasgow given the title “The High Rise Capital of Europe”?
(b)
How did the problems of construction create problems in theses tower blocks?
(c)
What were the social problems of the high rise flats?
(d)
Were tower blocks were successful?? Give a reason for your answer.
(e)
Describe in detail how the remaining tower blocks have been improved.
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
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7 The New Towns
Five new towns (See Figure 7.1) were built in Scotland during the 1950s and 1960s
within 25 km of Glasgow and Edinburgh to house the overspill from the inner cities.
East Kilbride is the largest of these towns with a population today of over 80,000.
Figure 7.1 Scotland’s New Towns
Key
Gl
C
L
G
E
EK
Ir
0
100 km
G
E
Glasgow
Edinburgh
EK
Ir
C
L
Gl
East Kilbride
Irvine
Cumbernauld
Livingston
Glenrothes
New towns were “self-contained”, planned settlements, built in the countryside with
all the necessary jobs and services for residents. Industrial estates were created at
the edge of the town and industries, often from overseas, were given incentives such
as brand new factories, loans and grants to locate here and create jobs.
People would live in areas called “neighbourhoods” which would include services
such as shops, libraries, schools and leisure centres. A variety of different housing
styles would be built to encourage a mix of people. A pedestrianised shopping area
in the centre of the town would also serve the residents. All areas would be
separated from each other by a network of main roads and roundabouts.
Figure 7.2 Model of a New Town
Task 7: Scotland’s New Towns
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
Name Scotland’s 5 new towns
How was industry attracted to the new towns?
What is found in a new town’s “neighbourhoods”?
Using Figure 7.2, what would be the main form of transport in a new town?
What was built to aid traffic flow in the new towns? (see Figure 7.2)
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
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8 Tenement Renovation
In the late 1970s it was decided to improve the existing tenements, rather than
demolish them. Thankfully not all of the tenements had been flattened during the
comprehensive redevelopment of the 1950s and 60s. The buildings were actually
sound structures and providing they were modernised, they could become excellent
homes.
Modernisation of the Tenements
The first stage in improvement involved removing internal walls to make flats much
bigger; very often two flats would be knocked into one. They were also rewired and
new central heating systems were installed; windows were double glazed; and new
kitchens and bathrooms were fitted.
Figure 8.1 Tenement Renovation
On the outside, they were sandblasted to remove the dirt and grime of 100 years of
pollution to reveal the attractive red sandstone which they were built of. Trees and
shrubs have been planted in wasteland to improve the surrounding environment.
Some tenement streets have also been converted into cul-de-sacs or one way
systems to reduce the traffic flow and make it much safer for families to live.
Renovation has proved to be a much cheaper and effective option than building new
council estates or high rise flats.
Task 8: Tenement Renovation
(a)
Describe four different ways in which the tenements were improved
(b)
How has the environment around the remaining tenements been improved?
(c)
Why has Glasgow Council been keen to renovate the remaining tenements?
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
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9 Transport Problems in Glasgow
As with most major cities in the developed world, Glasgow suffers major problems
from traffic congestion. This is caused by:
1. Increasing Car Numbers
There are more cars on the road today. In 1991 the
residents of Glasgow owned 107,000 cars. By 2005
it had risen to 160,000, an increase of 50%.
Therefore more road journeys are made by car as
people prefer to use them instead of public
transport, as it is more convenient.
2. Commuters
25% of people who work in Glasgow do not live in
the city. Each day commuters converge on the city
centre at the morning and evening rush hours
causing congestion.
3. Few Bridging Points
Glasgow only has a limited number of bridging
points across the River Clyde.
Vehicles are
funneled into a number of “bottlenecks”, which
increases congestion. The Kingston Bridge alone
has to cope with 170,000 vehicles per day.
4. Narrow Streets
The Victorian grid iron streets in Glasgow’s CBD
were built before the age of the car. Streets are
narrow, and this is often made worse by cars
parking at the side of the road.
The increase in traffic can cause a number of problems, as shown in Figure 9.1
below:
Figure 9.1 Problems of Increased Traffic
Vibrations from
traffic can damage
buildings
Increasing journey
times
More accidents
Problems of
Increased Traffic
Increased noise
from traffic
Road rage
Increased
pollution from
vehicle exhausts
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
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Solutions to Glasgow’s Traffic Problems:
1. Construction of New Roads
During the 1960s and 1970s, the three lane M8 motorway was built right through the
centre of Glasgow through areas including Anderston, Kingston and Townhead. The
Kingston Bridge (opened 1970, see figure 9.2) carries the M8 across the River Clyde.
New expressways (dual carriageways with two lanes instead of three) such the
Clydeside Expressway (see Figure 9.3) and the Springburn Expressway have
improved access into the city centre. In recent years both the M80 (north) and the
M77 (south) have also improved access into Glasgow for commuters
The Clyde Tunnel (opened 1963) and the Erskine Bridge (1971) allowed vehicles to
cross the Clyde further downstream and ease the pressure on the city centre.
Figure 9.2 The Kingston Bridge
Figure 9.3 The Clydeside Expressway
The M74 Extension
A controversial scheme to extend the M74 into the centre of Glasgow was
announced in 2003 at a cost of £500 million. The motorway presently stops 5 miles
south-east of the city centre. The City Council argues it will ease congestion and
take traffic away from the M8, one of the busiest motorways in Britain.
However local communities are upset as homes and businesses will have to be
demolished to make way for the road. There are also concerns the road will increase
noise and pollution from exhausts. Environmentalists argue that any new roads will
simply fill up with more cars. Investments need to be made in alternatives, including
public transport.
2. Improvements to Public Transport
Glasgow’s local rail network is the second largest in any British city after London.
Over 70 stations connect the suburbs with Queen Street and Glasgow Central
Stations. The busiest stations have been modernised and platforms extended to
cope with longer trains. New lines will be opened up, including:
•
•
Reopening the Larkhall to Milngavie service
A new rail link to Glasgow Airport from Paisley costing £200 million
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
20
Park and ride schemes have been introduced across the city, where commuters can
park their car for free next to a station in the suburbs and complete their journey into
the city centre by train.
Glasgow’s Subway
During the late 1970s Glasgow’s subway (underground railway) was modernised,
electrified and the stations were enlarged. It provides a fast, efficient service; trains
call every four minutes at the 15 stations at peak times. Over 14 million people use
the subway each year and plans have recently been announced to look into the
possibility of extending the system to Glasgow Harbour and the East End.
3. Improving Traffic Flow in the CBD
The methods which have been put in place in the city centre include:
•
•
•
•
•
Introducing a one way system to help traffic flow.
Traffic wardens, parking meters, and yellow lines prevent parking on kerb sides.
Building more multi-storey car parks, especially near shopping centres.
Bus lanes have been created to allow public transport move more quickly.
Pedestrianisation of major shopping streets (Sauchiehall St, Buchanan St and
Argyle St) to improve safety for shoppers.
Glasgow has so far chosen not to use congestion charging, which is used in
London. Drivers are charged £8 for travelling into the CBD each day in a bid to
encourage the use of public transport instead. Although expensive to set up (the
system is monitored by hundreds of cameras), there has been a noticeable decrease
in traffic and exhaust pollution in London’s city centre. However drivers find it
expensive and unpopular and see it as another tax on motorists.
Task 9: Transport Problems in Glasgow
Answer the questions bellows based on the information on pages 19 to 21.
(a)
Give three reasons why Glasgow suffers from traffic congestion.
(b)
Describe five different problems that traffic congestion can cause.
(c)
Describe the main difference between a motorway and an expressway.
(d)
What was built to improve access across the River Clyde in the 1960s and 70s?
(e)
What are the arguments for and against the completion of the M74?
(f)
Describe two new rail projects planned for the Glasgow area.
(g)
What are park and rides schemes?
(h)
What has been done in Glasgow city centre to improve traffic flow and reduce
congestion? (Give four different examples)
(i)
What are the arguments for and against congestion charging?
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
21
10 Changes in Shopping
Out of Town Shopping Centres
The main change in shopping in Glasgow has been the rise in the number of out of
town shopping centres during the 1980s and 1990s. The location of these in
Glasgow is shown on Figure 10.1. They are very popular with shoppers and retailers
as:
•
•
•
•
•
they are very accessible as they locate near motorways and main roads
they have plenty of free car parking spaces
they open until late in the evening which suits people who work
land on the outskirts of town also tends to be much cheaper allowing very large
stores and car parks to be built
other leisure services such as hotels, cinemas, ten-pin bowling alleys and fast
food outlets such as McDonalds and Pizza Hut also locate in them.
The main drawback of these is that shoppers usually require a car to get there.
Figure 10.1 Out of Town Shopping Centres in Glasgow
CBD
Key
1
3
2
11
5
10
9
4
7
6
8
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Great Western Road
Springburn
Robroyston
Glasgow Fort
Parkhead Forge
Toryglen
Pollokshaws
Darnley
Pollok
Govan
Braehead
Impact on the City Centre
With so many shoppers being attracted out of the CBD, parts of Glasgow’s CBD,
such as the Trongate and High Street areas have lost business and become run
down. To stop this decline:
•
City centre streets such as Buchan Street, Argyle Street and Sauchiehall Street
have been pedestrianised (See Figure 10.2).
•
Large shopping malls, including the St Enoch Centre (see Figure 10.3) and
Buchanan Galleries (Figure 10.4) were opened. John Lewis is the anchor store of
the Buchanan Galleries. People can shop in a wide variety of stores, unaffected
by the weather with the main bus and railway stations nearby.
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
22
•
More specialist high order shopping areas have been opened such as Princes
Square and the Italian Centre (Figure 10.5), where expensive designer boutiques
including Armani and Versace are found.
Figure 10.2 Pedestrianised Buchanan Street
Figure 10.3 St Enoch Centre
Figure 10.4 Buchanan Galleries
Figure 10.5 The Italian Centre
One final project is currently under construction, the £250 million Pollok Shopping
Centre next to the M77 motorway in Glasgow’s south side. This will include the
largest Tesco in Scotland, and the mall will have Debenhams as its main anchor
store. It will open in late 2006. However it is likely this will be the last of its kind in
Glasgow and future projects of this size will not get planning permission unless they
have a city centre location, to prevent further decline of the CBD.
Task 10: Shopping in Glasgow
Read pages 22 and 23, then answer the questions below:
(a) Why are out of town shopping centres popular with both shoppers and large
retailers?
(b) Using Figure 10.1, name five out of town shopping centres found in Glasgow
(c) What features, other than shops, are often found in out of town shopping
centres?
(d) Describe three things that have been done in Glasgow to encourage shoppers
back into the city centre?
(e) What advantages do city centre shopping malls have?
(f) What is Glasgow’s latest shopping centre and what shops will it include?
(g) Why is it unlikely any more out of town shopping centres will be built?
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
23
11 Urban Regeneration Projects
Two large projects are underway to redevelop both the north and south banks of the
River Clyde:
1. Glasgow Harbour
This project has focused on redeveloping a 3km stretch of quayside in Yorkhill and
Partick. The areas include the site of the former Meadowside Granary, redundant
shipyards, docklands, warehouses and the disused Glasgow to Clydebank railway.
Figure 11.1 Location of Glasgow Harbour
120 acres of land in total will be redeveloped, and the project will be funded mainly
by private developers, although contributions will come from Glasgow City Council,
the European Union Redevelopment Fund and the National Lottery. It will include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
2,500 new flats for 5,000 people (see Figure 11.1).
200,000m2 of office space.
50,000m2 of retail and leisure developments.
Glasgow’s new Transport Museum.
A light tramway linking the area with the city centre.
40% of the site will be public space; this will include walkways and cycle paths in
the form of a “linear park”.
Redevelopment of the area will take around 10 years and it is estimated the whole
project will cost £500 million. Phase 1 started in 2002, with the demolition of the
Granary and the construction of new private flats on the site.
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
24
2.
Pacific Quay
Across the river form Glasgow Harbour, the Pacific Quay development is a mixture of
business, housing and leisure. It is found on the site of Glasgow’s Princes Dock
which closed during the 1970s. It will include:
•
•
•
•
•
A media village where BBC Scotland, Scottish Television, The Glasgow Herald
newspaper and XFM Radio will be based.
Leisure developments including the Glasgow Science Centre, IMAX Cinema and
Millennium Tower. A marina will occupy part of the Princes Dock which remains.
50,000m2 of office space.
A 150 bed hotel.
300 new houses.
In order to provide better access to the development, the new £20 million Finnieston
Bridge will connect the area with the north side of the river (see Figure 11.3). It is the
first low level traffic bridge across the Clyde for a century. It distinctive arch will also
provide Glasgow with an instantly recognisable landmark.
Figure 11.2 New BBC Headquarters
Figure 11.3 Finnieston Bridge
Task 11: Urban Regeneration
Read pages 24 and 25, then answer the questions below.
(a) What was the land at Glasgow Harbour used for before redevelopment?
(b) Describe the main features of the Glasgow Harbour project.
(c) How is the redevelopment of Glasgow Harbour being funded?
(d) Who will occupy the media village at Pacific Quay
(e) What are the main leisure facilities at Pacific Quay?
(f)
What will help improve access to the area?
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
25
12 Gentrification
Gentrification occurs when run down areas of the inner city or CBD are restored and
renovated by wealthy groups moving back into these areas to live. Property prices
increase in value.
Several parts of the centre of Glasgow have been “gentrified”. These include:
1.
The Merchant City
Glasgow’s Merchant City is found at the eastern edge of the CBD. During the
eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, this was the main trading area, where
tobacco and cotton merchants met and sold their products. However, Glasgow’s
CBD moved westwards when the main railway stations (Central, St Enoch and
Queen Street) opened in the late nineteenth century
Until the 1980s this was an area that was run down and many buildings and
warehouses lay derelict. However significant amounts of money have been spent
restoring traditional buildings and converting them into flats, offices, hotels bars and
restaurants. Examples of gentrification in the Merchant City include the Italian
Centre; the complete renovation of Candleriggs and Brunswick Street (see Figure
12.1) and the conversion of the City halls into bars and restaurants, which is known
as Merchant Square.
Construction projects are common in this area such as the conversion of the former
Evening Times Newspaper offices into luxury flats (Figure 12.2)
Figure 12.1 Brunswick Street
Figure 12.2 Conversion of the Herald Offices
The area has become much more desirable and many professionals (accountants,
lawyers) chose to live here, not very far from the city centre workplace.
2.
The “New” Gorbals
Across the river from the Merchant City is the Gorbals, traditionally one of Glasgow’s
roughest and most deprived neighbourhoods. With the demolition of some of the
high rise flats, there was plenty of land available for development. Some of this has
been sold to private house builders who have built luxury private flats. The Gorbals
area is going through a revival and is becoming a much more desirable and pleasant
place to live as Figures 12.3 and 12.4 illustrate
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
26
Figure 12.3 and 12.4 New Housing on Ballater Street, Gorbals
Advantages and Disadvantages
Although the buildings in the area are restored to their original states, new housing is
created and crime is reduced, gentrification can cause problems. The huge rises in
property prices often force out the traditional working class people who previously
lived in these areas, as they simply cannot afford to buy or rent property in these
areas. People who remain may also be unhappy at these changes and resent
“outsiders” moving in.
Task 12: Gentrification
Read pages 26 and 27, then answer the questions below
(a) What is meant by the term “gentrification”?
(b) How did Glasgow’s “Merchant City” get its name?
(c) Why did Glasgow’s CBD move away from the Merchant City area?
(d) Describe three projects which have taken place in the Merchant City.
(e) What types of workers are moving into the Merchant City area?
(f)
Describe the changes which are presently taking place in the Gorbals.
(g) What are the advantages and disadvantages of gentrification occurring in
Glasgow’s inner city areas?
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
27
13 Urban Sprawl
During the 20th century Glasgow has grown considerably in size. It has spread out
such that smaller towns and villages have been swallowed up into a large urban
conurbation, including Clydebank, Bishopbriggs, Newton Mearns and Rutherglen.
This growth of cities into their surrounding area is known as urban sprawl and is
shown in Figure 13.1.
Figure 13.1 Reasons for Urban Sprawl
high quality, private
housing estates
retail parks and
supermarkets
with car parks
New bypasses
and outer
ring roads
modern industrial
estates
Preventing Urban Sprawl
The uncontrolled growth of cities into the countryside can lead to the loss of valuable
farmland and the loss of habitats for wildlife. New roads and construction projects
can also cause environmental damage. Town planners are keen to prevent urban
sprawl and there are a number of ways in which they can do this:
1. Establish Greenbelts
These are areas in which no urban development is
permitted, allowing an area of countryside or open
space to remain around a city. Glasgow’s greenbelt was
established in the 1950s.
2. Brownfield Sites
Local authorities can encourage developers to re-use
land within the city boundaries which may have had
another purpose, through loans and incentives.
Glasgow Harbour is an example of a brownfield site
being redeveloped.
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
28
3. Prevent Retail Parks
Planning permission for out of town shopping centres
now requires the permission of Scotland’s First Minister.
Very often this is refused.
Impact of the Greenbelt: Commuter Villages
With no housing developments being permitted in the greenbelt, those who wish to
live in a quieter, greener and more pleasant environment often relocate to commuter
villages. These are settlements just outside the greenbelt where the strict planning
rules do not apply. Examples around Glasgow include Bishopton and Kilbarchan (to
the west); Torrance and Strathblane (north) and Eaglesham (south).
These villages have good road or rail links with Glasgow, enabling people to
commute. They often have new private housing estates have grown up with cul-desacs and detached houses similar to the suburbs.
Some problems have evolved in these commuter developments. Often the original
residents cannot afford the increased property prices or rent and are forced to move
away. Locals may resent outsiders coming into the village who don’t contribute to
the local community. In addition to this, traffic congestion increases at the morning
and evening rush hour.
Developments in Glasgow’s Greenbelt
Despite the strict rules which allow development in the greenbelt, sometimes
planning permission will be given for a project if in an area’s best interests. Two
examples of these around Glasgow include:
•
Building of the M77 motorway and the Southern Orbital Road near Newton
Mearns. These should ease traffic pressures in the south of the city.
•
Controversially, private house builders have also been allowed to build several
hundred homes on the greenbelt near Newton Mearns due to the shortage of
family housing within the city.
Task 13: Urban Sprawl
Read pages 28 and 29, then answer the questions below.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
What is meant by the term urban sprawl?
Using Figure 13.1, describe the different pressures on land at the edge of a city.
What are the problems of urban sprawl?
What is the purpose of a greenbelt?
What is a brownfield site?
Name four commuter villages found around Glasgow.
Describe two features of a commuter village.
Describe three problems which can occur in commuter villages.
Describe and give reasons for two projects which have been allowed to go
ahead in Glasgow’s greenbelt.
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
29
14 Glossary of Terms
Anchor store
A department store or supermarket found usually at one end of a shopping
centre to attract customers. Other smaller stores around benefit.
Bottleneck
A narrow street or bridge where traffic jams are commonly found.
Bridging Point
A settlement site where a river is narrow or shallow enough to be bridged.
The bridge becomes a route centre and trading centre, the natural location
for a market.
Brownfield Site
A derelict, inner-city site which can be cleared and reused for new
housing.
Bus lane
A lane in a road which can be used only by buses to help the traffic flow.
By-pass
A road built around a busy urban area to avoid traffic jams.
CBD
Central Business District or city centre; the commercial and business
centre of a town or city where land values are at the highest. This is the
most accessible part of the town or city.
Commuter
A person who lives in one place and travels to work in another.
Comparison Services
Where high-order (usually expensive) goods such as antiques, jewellery,
and some clothing and electrical equipment are sold. They are called
comparison goods because people like to compare prices and quality
before buying them. These services have large market areas.
Comprehensive
Redevelopment
An area, usually in the inner city, where the whole urban landscape was
demolished before being rebuilt on a planned basis by the council or city
government.
Congestion
Overcrowding on roads causing traffic jams.
Congestion Charging
where drivers are charged to enter the city centre to reduce traffic flows
e.g. London.
Conurbation
a large urban settlement which is the result of towns and cities spreading
out and merging together e.g. The Clydeside conurbation.
Convenience Services
where low order goods - inexpensive things that vary little in price, quality
or other features that we need to buy regularly e.g. newspapers, cigarettes
and bread - are sold. Convenience shops are found on most street corners
where they have a small market area of people who visit the shop on most
days.
Counter urbanisation
The movement of people from the cities to the countryside to live, usually
for a better quality of life. Many may still commute into the city to work.
Cul-de-sac
A dead end street, deliberately designed to reduce traffic flow and improve
safety.
Dormitory Settlement
A place where many commuters 'sleep' overnight but travel to work
elsewhere during the day.
Function of a Settlement
what the settlement does to 'earn its living' e.g. market town, mining town,
administrative centre, tourist resort etc.
Gentrification
The process by which run-down houses in an inner city or other neglected
area are improved by better off people who move there in order to have
easier access to the jobs and services of the city centre. This often means
that run down and derelict buildings are restored and upgraded.
Green Belt
An area around a city composed mostly of parkland and farmland, in
which development is not allowed, to prevent the city from merging with
neighbouring towns.
The criss cross street pattern found in many city centre and inner city
areas.
Grid Iron
High-order services
Intermediate Geography
A service, usually expensive, that people buy or use only occasionally e.g.
furniture, computers, jewellery or an airport. High-order services are
usually located in large towns and cities with a large market area accessible to large numbers of people.
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
30
Industrial Revolution
The growth and development of manufacturing industry which began in
the UK in the eighteenth century.
Inner City
The part of the town surrounding the CBD; it often contains older housing
and industry, and can be in a state of poor repair and dereliction, often
requiring urban renewal.
Low-order Services
Good or services, usually inexpensive, that people buy on a regular, often
daily basis - for example, newspapers, bread and milk. Low-order goods
and services are usually purchased from shops located in suburban or
neighbourhood centres close to where people live.
New Town
A well-planned, self-contained settlement complete with
employment and services e.g. East Kilbride, Cumbernauld.
Out-of-town Shopping
Centre
A large group of shops built either on a site on the edge of the urban area
or on the site of a former large industrial area. Such centres usually have
large car parks, a pedestrianised, air-conditioned environment and over
100 shops e.g. Braehead, Parkhead Forge.
Overspill Town
a town that expanded by taking people who were forced to move out of
cities as a result of slum clearance and redevelopment schemes.
Park and ride scheme
Where people are encouraged to leave their car at a bus or railways
station and to use public transport to get into the CBD to ease congestion.
Pedestrian precinct
Part of the CBD in which cars are not allowed, to make it safer for
shoppers and pedestrians.
Redevelopment
The rebuilding of parts of a city. Sometimes large areas are completely
demolished before being rebuilt; sometimes all or some of the old
buildings are retained and modernised to combine the best features of the
old and the new.
Retail Park
An out-of-town shopping centre with a few large warehouse-type stores,
selling electrical goods, carpets, D.I.Y. goods, building supplies etc.
Ring-road
A by-pass that provides a route around the CBD.
Semi-detached house
A house joined to one other. These are common in the suburbs.
Shopping Mall
A modern and very large shopping centre that provides a family day
'experience'. It offers a range of entertainments besides a large number of
shops, in an air-conditioned indoor area protected form the weather e.g. St
Enoch Centre, Buchanan Galleries.
Site
The actual place where a settlement is located.
Suburbs
The outer zone of towns and cities.
Tenement Blocks
Large residential blocks built in the Scottish inner cities during the
Industrial Revolution to house workers. They were very high density,
cramped, and unhygienic and located right next to the factories or
shipyards.
Terraced House
A house within a (usually) long line of joined housing. Terraced housing is
typical of the inner city zone in the England.
Urban Renewal
(Regeneration)
The improvement of old houses and the addition of services in an attempt
to bring new life to old inner city areas.
Urban Sprawl:
The spread of towns into the surrounding countryside.
Urbanisation:
The process by which an increasing percentage of a country's population
comes to live in towns and cities. This happened in Britain during the 19th
century.
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
housing,
31
Supplementary Worksheet 1: Change in Glasgow’s Population 1801-2001
1,200
1,100
1,000
Popula tion ('000s)
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
1991
2001
1981
1971
1961
1951
1941
1931
1921
1911
1901
1891
1881
1871
1861
1851
1841
1831
1821
1801
1811
100
Year
Year
Population
Year
Population
1801
1811
1821
1831
1841
1851
1861
1871
1881
1891
1901
44,000
94,000
147,000
202,000
274,000
329,000
420,000
478,000
560,000
658,000
762,000
1911
1921
1931
1941
1951
1961
1971
1981
1991
2001
790,000
1,034,000
1,130,000
1,185,000
1,090,000
1,055,000
897,000
774,000
689,000
578,000
Intermediate Geography
Urban Change: A Case Study of Glasgow
32