Towns and cities

The shape of urban Britain was influenced by pre-existing settlements, but many new towns and cities were added. Accompanying the dominant flow outwards from city centre towards the peripheries were regional-scale shifts prompted by planning strategies to contain urban growth and divert some activities to the north and west of Britain. This chapter considers both macro processes of economic and social change which affect cities and patterns of change and interaction within urban areas. Initially, there is some focus on processes such as decentralisation and counter-urbanisation that have regional impacts within the United Kingdom. Within the mosaic of the city, there is discussion of specific sectors such as housing, inner city, commercial centres and employment and also of key issues such as problem areas, ethnic districts and the trends towards gentrification. The chapter also discusses management and the application of urban policies.