Analyse One of the Urban Dynamics Operating in a Country Town Or Suburb

Analyse one of the urban dynamics operating in a country town or suburb. 2010 HSC

Urban decay is the deterioration of the built environment, in which urban infrastructure falls into a state of disrepair, while urban renewal is the redevelopment of an urban area. These urban dynamics are illustrated in the Pyrmont Ultimo and Darling Harbour Precinct and includes an area stretching from Glebe Island Bridge in the West to inner city Darling Harbour in the East, recent plans extend this development to Barangaroo. Pyrmont is located at 33’8’S 151’1’E and is adjacent to the CBD in the West.

Urban dynamics of change are evident within this suburb, as illustrated by the significant change in the culture of place, which in turn, resulted in the redevelopment of the area. At the start of the 20th century, Pyrmont was characterised as a working industrial port, a site for maritime trade and industry, such as, sandstone quarrying. The decline in the blue-collar industry and in turn, the workers can be attributed to the advances in transportation technology, which resulted in the finger wharves being unable to cope with the size of new ships. Furthermore, changes in technology of production, such as, firms becoming automated resulted in economic restructuring as firms needed larger premises, subsequently, resulting in industrial parks being established on fringes of the city, such as, Parramatta. Therefore, the growing unemployment that resulted from these changes in industry, resulted in the popn reaching its lowest at only 1590 residents in 1981. Hence, the govt and Sydney City Council have deemed it necessary to renew the decayed Pyrmont-Ultimo in order to attract a growing population and a change in the demographics of the area.

The process of urban renewal and gentrification is currently being overseen by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, which has been developing the area since 1999. The SHFA aims, “to promote urban consolidation in the Sydney region and consequently contribute to Sydney’s status as a financial, commercial, residential and tourist city of world standing,” and to achieve the govt goal for 60 -70% of Sydney’s growth to be met through infill development. The renewal has been particularly effective due to the geographical proximity of the suburb as it is on the corner of Sydney Harbour, allowing for views, close proximity to the CBD and substantial transport links including, light rail, rail, bus and walking. The gentrification and consolidation of the area is evident as Jackson’s Landing has been converted from the CSR to 2 high rise apartment complexes, that market high income earners with no children. Furthermore, the changing demographics of the area is evident through the residential changes as the medium to high density housing, in close proximity to the city is preferred by those with high disposable incomes and no children. However, the area is still attempting to maintain its previous culture of place by the fact that 10% of new developments must accommodate for affordable housing for people on limited income, as evident in the Ways Terrace, in order to reduce the amount of low income earners in rental stress which is currently situated at 46% in NSW. Thus, the demographic change is evident as 56% of the popn is between the ages of 20-39, representing one of the youngest areas in Sydney, and has a growing popn as of 2011 it was 11 618 residents.

The process of urban renewal and economic restructuring is also evident in the changing land use and streetscape through the development of entertainment and commercial venues. For example, the conversion of Jones Finger Bay Wharf into an office space and function centre reflect the changing nature of the industry within Pyrmont, as it has moved from a blue-collar working class to professional white collar industry. Furthermore, significant changes to land use include the construction of Star City Casino at the old Pyrmont power station and the development of 500 luxury apartments at the Goldsbrough Mort Wool Site. Although these changes have altered the building uses, the appearance of the buildings remains the same, in order to maintain the culture and character of the area throughout the renewal process.

Moreover, the changing nature of Pyrmont- Ultimo has resulted in a more multicultural area. The medium density and high tech, clean industries that inhabit Pyrmont, has caused growing attraction by people from different migrant backgrounds, evident as only 35% of the popn was born in Aust. Many individuals from SE Asian nations reside here, as China accounts for 8% of the popn, in turn, contributing to a highly skilled multilingual workforce, enriching Pyrmont’s culture of place.

However, the changing nature of Pyrmont-Ultimo has resulted in a reduction in the amount of families or elderly people living in the area due to the lack of provision of appropriate services. There are minimal childcare centres, libraries, shopping malls etc resulting in some geographers arguing, that the popn has become homogenised and exclusive as it does not allow others to live in the area due to the insufficient facilities. However, the redevelopment of the Old Water Police Site into Giba Park has remedied this. Thus, this raises equity issues based on the social structure and spatial patterns of advantage and disadvantage, wealth, poverty and ethnicity. Furthermore, the gentrification of the area has resulted in increasing transport and traffic congestion (however, the introduction of cycle paths and ride to work scheme could reduce this) and has put upward pressure on house prices, in turn, creating distinctive spatial patterns of advantage and disadvantage. Thus, the continual renewal of the area needs to ensure ESD in order to maintain the culture of place.

The dynamics of change in regards to urban decay and renewal, have significantly affected the culture of place and character of Pyrmont Ultimo as it has been transformed into a medium density, white collar professional suburb that is dominated by young people with high disposable incomes, thus, contributing to the growing demand of living in this area.