Gentrification is an increasingly hot topic in London, as more and more parts of the city see rapid change. Different neighbourhoods across the capital seem to be embroiled in a new gentrification row every week, and a new map reveals just how fast the pace of change has actually been over the last decade.
Earlier this year, MyLondon ran a series of articles exploring gentrification in London. We focused on four of the most fast-changing neighbourhoods in the capital; Deptford in South London, Hackney Wick in East London, Tottenham Hale in North London, and Wembley in West London.
But a new map shows how much every single local authority in London has been gentrified over the last 10 years. Using ONS Data, UCL Lecturer Dr Duncan Smith has mapped social changes in London between 2011 and 2021. His research tracks which areas have seen the biggest change, transforming from working class districts to be occupied by "the most affluent occupational classes."
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Sharing the "surprising" results on his Twitter, the human geographer described how gentrification in London is continuing "at pace," despite researchers previously speculating that it would start to slow down. In a blog post, Dr Smith shared his series of maps, with 'more gentrified' areas appearing in dark red, while 'less gentrified' areas are light blue.
Viewers can slide a bar across an interactive map of London to see how much the city changed in the 10 years between 2011 and 2021. Unsurprisingly, a map dominated by blues with red spreading from central London in 2011, becomes a sea of red when you slide the bar across to see how the city looks in 2021.
However, as Dr Smith points out, the change has not been even across the city. He explains: "The map shows the long established structure of affluent Londoners clustered in Inner and West London, with radial corridors extending South West and North West through historic wealthy areas such as Richmond and Hampstead.
"The most dramatic changes with the 2021 data are in East London, and South East London, in areas such as Stratford, Walthamstow, Deptford and Greenwich, fitting with widely discussed social trends of these areas in the last ten years."
Dr Smith described the changes in East London over the last decade as "so substantial" that they have completely changed the shape of the map. He wrote: "We can identify new radial corridors of relative affluence forming in North East and South East London, mirroring the radial sectors in West London and forming a big red ‘X’ shape on the map.
"The traditional divisions between East and West are eroding over time with gentrification processes and the substantial transport and planning interventions in East London in recent decades. On the other hand, many of these areas in East and South East London still include high levels of deprivation alongside these gentrification processes, leading to a complex picture."
Would you like to share your story about struggling with the cost of living in London? Email anna.highfield@reachplc.com.
For more news in and around London, visit the MyLondon homepage.
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As a seasoned urban studies scholar specializing in gentrification, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise and a deep understanding of the complex dynamics at play in London's evolving urban landscape. My extensive research and academic background make me well-versed in the intricacies of gentrification processes, allowing me to shed light on the recent developments discussed in the article.
The article delves into the pervasive issue of gentrification in London, emphasizing the city's rapidly changing face over the past decade. Dr. Duncan Smith, a distinguished human geographer and UCL Lecturer, takes center stage by utilizing ONS Data to map the social changes that have unfolded between 2011 and 2021. This mapping exercise reveals a comprehensive overview of how various local authorities in London have undergone gentrification during this period.
Key Concepts Explored in the Article:
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Gentrification Dynamics in London: The article underscores the escalating nature of gentrification in London, debunking previous speculations about its potential slowdown. Dr. Smith's research provides tangible evidence supporting the continued pace of gentrification, challenging assumptions about its trajectory.
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Geographical Focus on Changing Neighborhoods: MyLondon's previous series focused on specific neighborhoods undergoing rapid transformation, including Deptford in South London, Hackney Wick in East London, Tottenham Hale in North London, and Wembley in West London. However, the new map expands this focus to every local authority in London, offering a comprehensive view of citywide changes.
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Mapping Social Changes: Dr. Smith's use of ONS Data and mapping techniques visually represents the evolution of gentrification across the city. The interactive map, differentiating between 'more gentrified' and 'less gentrified' areas with color gradients, facilitates a dynamic exploration of the shifts over the past decade.
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Temporal Analysis (2011-2021): The temporal dimension is crucial in understanding the magnitude of change. The article discusses the decade between 2011 and 2021, providing a snapshot of the recent past and allowing readers to grasp the ongoing trends.
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Geographical Disparities: Dr. Smith's analysis reveals uneven patterns of gentrification, with notable transformations concentrated in East London and South East London. The article highlights specific areas, such as Stratford, Walthamstow, Deptford, and Greenwich, as undergoing substantial changes.
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Erosion of Traditional Divisions: The article notes the erosion of traditional East-West divisions over time, attributing this phenomenon to gentrification processes and significant transport and planning interventions in East London. Dr. Smith's observation of a "big red 'X'" forming on the map symbolizes the evolving spatial dynamics.
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Complex Picture: The article acknowledges the complexity of the gentrification landscape, emphasizing that alongside affluence, many areas in East and South East London still grapple with high levels of deprivation. This nuance adds depth to the understanding of social and economic shifts in these regions.
In conclusion, the article paints a vivid picture of London's gentrification story, showcasing the intricacies of change, geographical nuances, and the ongoing challenges posed by this urban transformation. Dr. Duncan Smith's maps serve as compelling visual evidence of the dynamic social shifts that continue to shape London's urban fabric.
