The Shard and South Bank Regeneration: An Economic Analysis

This research project analyzes the influence of regenerating the South Bank area of London, using The Shard as a case study to assess the external benefits. The project begins with an overview of urban tourism, emphasizing its economic significance and the government's efforts to enhance urban areas like London's South Bank. The research delves into the history of the South Bank's regeneration, highlighting the Shard as a key project, and examines its architectural appeal. The study outlines the research aim and objectives, which include determining the concept of regeneration, identifying economic, environmental, social, and cultural benefits. A literature review explores the concept of regeneration, economic benefits (such as increased employment and revenue), and environmental, social, and cultural advantages. The research methodology includes qualitative methods, with inductive and deductive research approaches. The project concludes with recommendations and a discussion of the findings, providing insights into the impact of urban regeneration on London's development and the benefits derived from projects like the Shard.

RESEARCH PROJECT

Table of Contents
TITLE..............................................................................................................................................3
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................3
1.1 Overview of the research..................................................................................................3
1.2 Background of the research..............................................................................................3
1.3 Significance of the research..............................................................................................4
1.3 Research Aim and objectives...........................................................................................4
1.4 Research questions - ........................................................................................................4
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.........................................................................................5
2.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................5
2.2 Concept of Regeneration of South Bank..........................................................................5
2.3 Economic benefits obtain by London from South areas..................................................6
2.4 Environmental, social and cultural benefits of Urban areas.............................................6
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.............................................................................7
3.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................7
3.2 Types of investigation .....................................................................................................7
3.3 Research approaches........................................................................................................7
3.4 Research philosophies......................................................................................................8
3.5 Data Sampling..................................................................................................................8
3.7 Ethical consideration........................................................................................................8
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS..................................................................................................8
CHAPTER 5: RECOMMENDATIONS & CONCLUSION.........................................................22
Recommendations................................................................................................................22
Conclusion ...........................................................................................................................23
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................24

TITLE
To analyse the influence of regenerating south bank area of London in availing external
benefits- A case study on The Shard
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview of the research
Urban Tourism as a type of tourism activity which takes place in an urban space with its
inherent attributes characterized by non-agricultural based economy such as administration,
manufacturing, trade and services and by being nodal points of transport. It is not only related
with leisure or tourism activities but also used for other aspects such as business, employment,
fashion, infrastructure, friends or relatives etc. The entire topic is discussed in detailed with an
example of regeneration of South Bank area in London along with discussion on the external
benefits catered. In present scenario, tourism is become major sign of economic growth and
development in respect of providing employment and reduction of poverty (South Bank
Regeneration, 2015). For an economy, tourism is important for income, foreign exchange
earnings and regional development; all these aspects are key driving force for economic
development. Urban Tourism has become one of the main stream of tourism research through
which urban areas get promoted. The report will categorised in five different parts, i.e.
introduction of the topic, literature review, research methodology, data analysis and conclusion.
1.2 Background of the research
In present scenario, most of the visitors appeal to visit several cities while deriving tour
packages. The demand of urban tourism is increasing at fast pace thus government is trying to
improve urban areas in order to make places attractive and eye-catching. London is one of the
attractive and popular place to visit, due to increasing demand of customers UK government has
decided to improvise or refurbish its urban areas specifically South Bank. It is an area of
incredible history, architecture, culture and regeneration which is located immediately adjacent
to the south bank of the River Thames. It forms a long and narrow section of riverside
development within the London Borough of Lambeth and the London Borough of Southwark.
The area is hemmed in between the river to the north and the viaducts of the approaches to
Waterloo, Charing Cross, Cannon Street and London Bridge railway stations to the south. The
present report is based upon the history of regeneration of South area of London in which Shard

was one of the most ambitious project. Since its inauguration in July 2012, Shard has become
one of the most recognisable and iconic buildings of the London skyline. Shard is amongst the
100 tallest buildings over the world and fourth tallest building in Europe. Formerly known as
London Bridge tower, this hospitality oriented architecture have been able to attract people from
all over the world.
1.3 Significance of the research
The present assignment is based upon history and external benefits of regeneration of
South Bank area in London. Since decades, South Bank has become an entertainment and
commercial district in central London. Urban tourism a very common form of tourism takes
place in large cities where tourism may be important but is not a primary activity of the urban
area". Tourism is a cornerstone policy of urban development that combines competitive supply
line with visitors' expectations with a positive contribution to the city development and welfare
of the population. The chosen area Shard appeal and convince people to visit its iconic structure
standing at 310 metres tall. Its architectural appeal and breath-taking 360 degree views where
over a 1,000,000 people visited the buildings viewing platform. Therefore, the research will
beneficial for readers to get know about regeneration history of South Bank, its main attractions,
cultural, environmental, social and cultural benefits. The main importance of this research to
researcher is to identify the concept of regeneration and roles it plays for the upliftment of urban
tourism.
1.3 Research Aim and objectives
Research Aim -
To analyse the influence of regenerating south bank area of London in availing external
benefits- A case study on The Shard
Research objectives -
 To determine the concept of regeneration of South Bank, London.
 To ascertain the economic benefits obtain by London from South areas.
 To determine the environmental, social and cultural benefits of Urban areas.
1.4 Research questions -
 What is concept of regeneration of South bank, London?
 What are the economic benefits can be gained from South areas?

 What are the environmental, social and cultural benefits of Urban areas?
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
A literature review is a discussed and published information in specific area of concern.
In this, authors give their views and opinion towards the research topic. This will provide support
to researcher at the time of taking right decision or leading to suitable conclusion. The main
motive of literature review is to summarise and synthesize arguments and ideas of others without
adding new features into them.
2.2 Concept of Regeneration of South Bank
According to the viewpoint of Flynn, (2016), regeneration of urban areas is a reverse
effort to improve the physical structure as well as economy of those areas. Nowadays, trend has
emerged in which earlier projects tended to focus on physical regeneration, usually housing,
whereas later programmes have attempted to stimulate social and economic regeneration as well.
More recently, much of the responsibility for regeneration initiatives, especially economic
regeneration, has switched to the new regional development agencies.
South Bank of London, is one of the largest regeneration sites in which private and
public sectors are working together to transform it into an attractive, welcoming and safe
environment. In addition to this, regeneration of South Bank area is one of biggest change in city
of London as there is a range of new developments has been established which renders resilient
infrastructure that will support to appeal visitors to come here. During the middle age, area of
South Bank was developed as a place of entertainment or leisure, and at present, UK government
develop plan to invest in infrastructure of South bank related such as roads, flood protection,
waterfront, super fast broadband and internet services and social infrastructure which aids to
deliver more residential developments to families.
Due to increasing tourists presence and expansion of high end residential developments,
South Bank has become vibrant destination. In near future, there is expected to an increase
quality and quantity of retail stock and make it able to attract a distinct type of retailer.
Moreover, South bank is totally differs from other regeneration efforts that tend to be top down
initiatives, driven by a desire for economic growth and supporting housing provision. The

emergence of area driven by cultural renewal, triggered the more serious investment, first in the
commercial field and now in the residential as well.
2.3 Economic benefits obtain by London from South areas
Serota and Hyslop, (2011), after reforming South bank areas numerous benefits will be
obtain London economy in respect of increasing employment opportunities, increasing national
income and GDP rate as well as enhancement of import and export activities. As the people will
come to visit Shard and other cultural places in South Bank then it will contribute in increasing
revenues of a nation. Promoting tourism activities will also aid in attracting visitors which will
directly impact economic situation. Regeneration will boost up foreign direct investment and
foreign exchange rates of a nation; it results financial and economic position of London will also
improved. Bezeng and et. al., (2013), states that improvement of connections along major
transport corridors across the Leeds City Region and the regeneration of key sites. The number
of hotel in Urban area has increased by 23% which led to an estimated 1800 new hospitality jobs
in the Southwark area. encouraging trade, inward investment, tourism and improving
infrastructure will contribute in economic growth and development of London. Along with this,
it also improve transport links in the South East and at the same time also helps in creating jobs
and business opportunities for the residents which will directly impact their per capita income.
2.4 Environmental, social and cultural benefits of Urban areas
According to Street, (2012), regeneration of South Bank areas also provides different
environmental, social and cultural benefits to Urban cities. It aids in sustainable development of
that area by building a new vibrant and visually attractive locality in city centre. In South Bank,
there is delivery of up to 750 new residential with a suitable mix in order to meet needs and
wants of people. Regeneration also providing high quality, city centre living and affordable
housing in Urban area aids to evolve societies and communities. Provision of enhanced
pedestrian and cycle linkages to the city centre, surrounding communities and neighbouring
areas.
On the other hand, environmental benefits also provided by regeneration of South Bank
as there is constantly enhancement of areas' townscape and public realm. Provision of an
effective free infrastructure and public sphere facilities, i.e. tree planting by individuals along

with street areas will be also possible. Incorporation of heritage and cultural monuments aids in
environmental development of a urban areas.
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
Research methodology is a procedure or technique that is used in order to determine,
select, processes and assess information about a specific topic. In research project, the section
allows the readers to make critical evaluation about validity and reliability of information.
Research methodology is a systematic and theoretical analysis of methods which are applied in
field of study. In order to complete an effective study there is required different research methods
which are stated as under -
3.2 Types of investigation
Different types of investigations are used by researcher in order to arrive at better
conclusion and obtain effective outcomes. Qualitative, quantitative and applied are the main
methods of research. In which qualitative research consists with that research whose findings are
not obtained in statistical form. Often, it said to be naturalistic that means the goal of qualitative
research is to observe natural behaviour setting, understanding phenomenon of participants and
give them realistic experience. Whereas quantitative research method performs mathematical
modelling and statistical estimation in order to test objectives theories thus to identify
relationship between two variables. It is a systematic empirical investigation of qualitative
properties, phenomena and their relationship. Quantitative research renders fundamental
connection between two variables. On the other side, applied research is formulated in order to
resolve practical problems of modern world instead of getting knowledge. For completion of this
research project, there is has been acquired qualitative research method which will help
researcher to collect appropriate information.
3.3 Research approaches
Selection of a research approach is crucial part of any scientific study in specific area of
concern. It helps researcher by providing them guidance to effectively accomplice entire study
and make effective outcomes. There are two main types of research approaches, such as –
inductive and deductive research approach. In which, inductive research begin with aims,
objectives, questions of research that require to be obtained during research process; it works

with moving from specific to broader information and theories. Inductive approach focuses on
generation of new ideas or concepts emerging from data. It is frequently referred into literature
as a grounded theory. On the other hand, deductive research approach is tend towards causality
of information and starts with a hypothesis. Deductive research approaches are linked with
quantitative research whereas inductive relates with qualitative methods. Hence, to complete this
study in systematic manner there has been applied inductive research approach for collecting
relevant data and information towards the research aim.
3.4 Research philosophies
A research philosophy is a belief about the way in which data of phenomenon get
collected. It is a vast topic of study that deals with nature, source and development of knowledge
in specific area of concern. In essence, to address suitable research philosophy researcher have to
be aware and formulate assumptions accordingly. There are two types of research philosophies,
such as – positivism and interpretivism. In which, positivism research philosophy entails to
believe in reality and it can be observed from viewpoint of an objective. On the other side,
interpretivism based on human interest towards the study. They contend that phenomenon must
be isolated thus to repeat observations. On the other hand, for competition of this assignment,
there has been acquired interpretive research approach thus to arrive at better conclusion.
3.5 Data Sampling
Sampling is a technique that is used to analyse and interpret gathered information through
a subset of population. For completion of this assignment, sample size of 50 respondents has
been undertaken who are local people of London.
3.7 Ethical consideration
While completion of research project, it is essential for researcher to maintain validity
and credibility of information. Under this, researcher needs to keep confidential and do not
disclose personal information of participants among others without informing them. There
shouldn't be illegal used of gathered data or information.
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS
QUESTIONNAIRE
Name

Age
Email
Q1. Do you think that tourism activities plays a vital role in growth and development of an
economy?
A. Yes.
B. No
Q2. Have you ever visit urban areas for tourism or another purpose?
A. Yes
B. No
Q3. What are the main activities involved in development of Urban Tourism
A. Leisure tourism linked to the particular features of urban areas
B. Business tourism linked to the economic, social and cultural vitality of towns and cities
C. Conference tourism linked to the facilities available in and the image of towns and cities
Q4. How do you get know about existence of the Shard ?
A. Internet/social media
B. Television
C. Radio
Q5. Which one is the most attractive place to visit South Bank?
A. The Shard
B. London eye
C. Imperial War Museum London
D. South bank Centre
Q6. What is the main economic benefits gained by UK government from regeneration of
south bank region in London?
A. Increases employment opportunities
B. Development of infrastructure
C. Generation of high flow of cash
Q7. What are the main environmental benefits of regeneration of South bank?
A. Substantial development of towns and areas
B. Enhancement of existing heritage assets
Q8. What are the emerging trends of regeneration of South Bank area?

A. Architectural developments
B. Landmark development
C. Technological developments
Q9. What opportunities will be obtained by a nation through developing Urban tourism?
A. Help in improving GDP rate and economic condition
B. Increases popularity over the world
C. Improvement in the living standard of the local people.
Q10. Give Recommendations, if any to improve the area of Urban Tourism to obtain
economic, social and environmental benefits.
Data analysis
Q1. Do you think that tourism activities plays a vital role in
growth and development of an economy?
A. Yes. 45
B. No 5
Q2. Have you ever visit urban areas for tourism or another
purpose?
A. Yes 30
B. No 20
Q3. What are the main activities involved in development of
Urban Tourism
A. Leisure tourism linked to the particular features of urban areas 15
B. Business tourism linked to the economic, social and cultural
vitality of towns and cities
25
C. Conference tourism linked to the facilities available in and the
image of towns and cities
10
Q4. How do you get know about existence of the Shard?
A. Internet/social media 35

B. Television 10
C. Radio 5
Q5. Which one is the most attractive place to visit South Bank?
A. The Shard 25
B. London eye 10
C. Imperial War Museum London 7
D. South bank Centre 8
Q6. What is the main economic benefits gained by UK
government from regeneration of south bank region in London?
A. Increases employment opportunities 22
B. Development of infrastructure 16
C. Generation of high flow of cash 12
Q7. What are the main environmental benefits of regeneration of
South bank?
A. Substantial development of towns and areas 40
B. Enhancement of existing heritage assets 10
Q8. What are the emerging trends of regeneration of South Bank
area?
A. Architectural developments 15
B. Landmark development 22
C. Technological developments 13
Q9. What opportunities will be obtained by a nation through
developing Urban tourism?
A. Help in improving GDP rate and economic condition 22
B. Increases popularity over the world 18

C. Improvement in the living standard of the local people. 10
Q10. Give Recommendations, if any to improve the area of
Urban Tourism to obtain economic, social and environmental
benefits.
Thematic analysis
Theme 1: Tourism activities plays a vital role in growth and development of an economy
Q1. Do you think that tourism activities plays a vital role in
growth and development of an economy?
A. Yes. 45
B. No 5
Interpretation – According to this above diagram, it has been analysed that tourisms or
leisure activities play a key role in growth and vitality of a business association. It aids an
A. Yes. B. No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
45
5
Column B