UNIT 9D- READING

1. This paragraph introduces the topic and gives examples

All over the world, from Baltimore to Auckland, coastal cities are facing the same issue, the regeneration of their
docklands. These areas, which were once at the very heart of urban activity, have emptied over time as modern
shipping requirements have moved the docks further out of town. The resultant migration of population and
decline in commercial activity are two effects which therefore need to be addressed.
2. This paragraph is mainly about changes in shipping
A key factor in this has been the growth of the container industry, now responsible for over 75% of goods
transported worldwide. As a consequence of this, ships have progressively increased in size to such a degree that
larger docks are required and more sophisticated and efficient cranes. This has led to the decline of city centre
docks along with services and homes connected to them. Another direct result of this is that ships spend less time
in port, and thus there are fewer crew members spending money in these areas. One alternative source of revenue
is the cruise industry with a number of cities building facilities for cruise liners which can bring over 5,000 tourists
into a place in one day.
3. As a result of this migration from waterfront areas, hundreds of acres of land have been left to waste away. This
has meant in some cities an increase in crime in these parts as gangs have taken control and squatters have taken
up residence. As the situation has got worse, the appeal of these areas for locals or tourists has decreased. This
vicious circle can only be broken through redevelopment.
4. This paragraph focuses on an example of regeneration
Governments, therefore, have had to make important financial and strategic decisions about these waterfronts,
whether they are giving onto a river, a lake, a bay or the sea. In Baltimore, for example, the decision was taken to
regenerate the docklands as an area for professional offices and small start-ups as well as rebranding the area as
a destination for conferences, events, cyclists and urban tourists. This meant that all the services and
infrastructure required for these segments had to be put in place. I think the statistics attached prove that the
project was a great success due in part to the consultation and planning stages which led to a unified plan.
5. This last paragraph focuses on an example of regeneration
In conclusion, I would state that although it is sad to see the decline of such important historical waterfront areas,
the resulting renovation and refurbishment can lead to economic and social improvements of great value. I would
therefore strongly advocate regeneration plans which bring services, activity and people back to these wastelands
and which restore them to an important role in the city.
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Vocabulary:
docklands noun [ C or U ]: /ˈdɒk.lænd/ the area that surrounds the docks in a port.
growth noun [ U ] : /ɡrəʊθ/ an increase in the size or the importance of something.
crane noun [ C ]: /kreɪn/ a tall metal structure with a long horizontal part, used for lifting and moving heavy objects.
waterfront noun [ C usually singular ]: /ˈwɔː.tə.frʌnt/ a part of a town that is next to an area of water such as a river or the
sea.
waste away phrasal verb with waste : /weɪst/ /əˈweɪ/ to gradually get thinner and weaker, in a way that is unhealthy.
gang noun [ C, + sing/pl verb ]: /ɡæŋ/ a group of criminals who work together.
squatter noun [ C ]: /ˈskwɒt.ər/ a person who lives in an empty building without permission.
take up residence/residency somewhere : /teɪk/ /ʌp/ /ˈrez.ɪ.dəns/ to go to live somewhere.
appeal noun [ C ]: /əˈpiːl/ a request to the public for money, information, or help.
unified adjective: /ˈjuː.nɪ.faɪd/ brought together, combined, or united.
refurbishment noun [ C or U ]: /ˌriːˈfɜː.bɪʃmənt/ work such as painting, repairing, and cleaning that is done to make a
building look new again.
lead verb: /liːd/ to control a group of people, a country, or a situation.
wasteland noun: /ˈweɪst.lænd/ an empty area of land, especially in or near a city, that is not used to grow crops or built
on, or used in any way.