This is an example of how inner city areas can radically change in terms of character and place. This relatively small area in London was a starting point for complete change after a gradual exodus of industries, workers, and communities from a commercial area that was left in economic decline and decay.

Life in Lime'marse

Limehouse is part of an area in East London known as the East End. Situated by the River Thames, the Limehouse basin is connected with historic man-made waterways and docks that now serve as a waterfront for offices and high-end accommodation. Up until the late sixties, Limehouse was all about the river, commercial docks, dock workers (or stevedores pron. stee-vee-doors), shipping, tradition, immigrant communities (including an early Chinatown), and a society based on import, export, and the distribution of goods.

However, a changing economy and the advent of shipping containers that required bigger ships and deeper waters meant the docks in surrounding areas could no longer cope, and they progressively closed from the sixties onwards. As a primary distribution centre to inland waterways (via canals), Limehouse began to suffer as trade reduced and the railways advanced. The area subsequently went into long-term decline until a sweeping redevelopment plan was commissioned in the eighties.

Decline of East End Docks circa 1980

Nothing's left, so start again...

Eventually, this plan paved the way for reclamation and gentrification by commercial and government interests, who had a free hand in development under the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC). The result was a mix of new buildings, new infrastructure, and modern commerce that didn't rely on the docks. The docks became marinas, warehouses became lofts, and much of the social architecture, such as original housing, small shops, and public houses, made way for rail and road links, or new high rise office buildings as the area became a brand-new financial centre.

Today, there are examples of historical buildings restored for commercial purposes, and many new buildings that attempt to blend in with the 'dockside' architecture and theme, but the majority of new buildings are ultra modern towers and office spaces that sit well in the vast dockland spaces. These commercial workplaces and a new light rail network encourage the movement and input of people as they work and socialise in the area, although many are transient and visit, rather than live in the area.

There are new apartments and original buildings converted for accommodation, but many have very large price tags. This kind of exclusive and sparsely populated living often leads to a lack of affordable housing, pavements that are deserted, and very few social amenities or small traders. Leisure businesses such as gyms, coffee shops and restaurants are more likely than the smaller enterprises offering consumer staples such corner shops, market stalls, service trades, and affordable cafés. You might need to travel a fair way to find a shop if you run out of sugar, which is ironic as one of the largest sugar producers is just up the road.

A sense of place

One issue that often comes up when tradition and values of the past are bulldozed away is the loss of community. Past social history in this case involved generations that encountered hardship and poverty, which in some ways made community spirit stronger and left a social legacy within families. The hope of many after new development was improved living conditions, local employment and opportunity. The area is now clean and modern for sure, but some argue it's just an exercise in displacement, and has resulted in the polarization of different communities and incomes - almost to the point of an 'us and them' conflict.

Things needed to move on, but how this encompassed local people and long established societies is open to question. Social issues often become complex when old meets new, and money meets hardship, especially when change is the only answer.

A sense of place for all is something that's achieved with balanced urban planning, but in this case the use of architecture for mostly commercial purposes has resulted in an environment that can cope with demands of modern commerce, but sometimes fails socially with few opportunities for local people, or those wishing to make a home in the new areas.

One indicator that can verify such issues, is the cost of housing and the related incomes of people who could afford to rent or buy in the newly developed areas. This factor often determines the availability to low and mid income earners, who are often excluded from particular areas by housing costs. This goes some way to explain why feelings can run high when traditional areas are gentrified and the historical inhabitants are forced out by value of the land they occupy, particularly if original areas are left to decline to a point where new development, rather than regeneration, becomes the only option.

What else could have been done with this inner city decay, and by whom, is debatable. Leaving parts of a capital city derelict is of no value to anyone. In terms of London as a capital, the development of E14 (The borough of Tower Hamlets featuring the districts of Poplar, Canary Wharf, and The Isle Of Dogs) has added status and advancement in a city that was beginning to suffer from old age and confinement. The space, location, transport system, and planning has given new life to the commercial sector in London.

However, things are not over yet. Development is still on-going and perhaps a shift will occur over time once the main construction projects are completed, boundaries begin to blur, and a ripple effect filters into surrounding areas. To future generations, it will all become historical as they grow up in the new environments, or move on to locations with more opportunity.

Shared video

This curated playlist features shared video that explores the area of Limehouse and the people who were a part of the community in the sixties, and during the development period in the eighties. Things are expanded to give a background to the early history of the East End and examine how local society changed as different immigrant populations came and went over the years.

Stories and opinions about race, religion, and family life are shared through documentaries, songs, and interviews (some comments and song lyrics should be considered in the context of the time) to give a fascinating insight into past society and culture which has since naturally progressed, or has been lost as a result of redundant industries or new social etiquette.

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Matt Sheen MMXXI
mattsheen (at) webstar.tv

See playlist for references and shared by details

PLAY - Social history of London's East End

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