Historia i restrukturyzacja londyńskiego Docklandu

Abstract

Dockland, the oldest part of London harbour was being dynamically developed till the World War П. From the end of 1960's, because of economic and technical reasons its decline has begun. Last docks were closed in 1981. First plans of changing their functions were prepared in 1976 and in 1981 special corporation (LDDC) was set up. Governmental investments into technical infrastructure encouraged private investors. The process of dock closing caused rapid increase of unemployment. Qualification changing of former dock workers is very difficult because of high requirements of new labour market so the school profile had to be directed into the required needs. In the years 1981 - 1996 population of Dockland will be doubled. It is necessary to build 30 000 of housings among which 1 500 communal ones. Old houses are repaired and former harbour stores are adapted for housing needs. Communication problems were solved by overhead light railway, city airport and main roads and by river buses. Special barrier was built on the Thames to protect the city against the floods.