What makes UK cities distinctive? (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Geography B): Revision Note

Specification links

The notes on this page cover part 1.2.2 of the WJEC Eduqas B specification

1.2.2 What are the distinctive features of urban areas in the UK?

• The processes of urban change over time have created distinctive spatial zones/patterns in UK towns and cities.

• The characteristics of town or city centres include central business districts (CBDs) and pedestrianised zones.

• The distinctive features of UK towns/cities include:

  • Zones of affluence.

  • Zones of deprivation.

  • Zones undergoing rapid regeneration.

  • Zones where multicultural communities thrive.

  • Multi-purpose zones where people live, work and enjoy leisure and cultural opportunities.

Processes of urban change

• UK cities have developed through stages of:

  • Urbanisation

  • Suburbanisation

  • Counter-urbanisation

  • Re-urbanisation

• These processes create distinct spatial patterns or zones

• Each zone will have similar land values and locational needs, such as access for customers, employees, etc. or space for expansion or privacy

• All towns and cities grow outwards, in a series of rings, from a historic centre or core to an urban fringe

Typical urban zones include:

1. Central Business District (CBD): a central core, which is the oldest and busiest commercial centre

2. Inner city: also known as the twilight zone

   • Older, terraced 'worker' housing 

   • Older industrial areas

   • Often redeveloped; a mix of deprivation and regeneration

   • Areas are centred around transport links and access

3. A suburban ring: residential area developed during suburbanisation

   • Semi-detached housing with gardens

   • Tree-lined avenues and cul-de-sacs

   • Smaller retail premises

4. Rural–urban fringe: outer edges of the city 

   • Edge-of-town retail parks and business parks,

   • Housing is clustered into estates

   • Some industrial land use

   • Accessibility is best

• Other similar characteristics of modern urban settlements include:

  • The age of the built-up area decreases from the core to the fringe

  • The density of building developments decreases from the core to the fringe

  • Grandeur, function, design and style changes across the zones

Characteristics of UK towns and cities

Characteristics of CBDs

• High land values and vertical land use (offices, shops, entertainment)

• Excellent accessibility (rail, bus, metro links)

• Historic buildings, landmarks, and public spaces

• Major retail chains, offices, and cultural attractions

• Examples:

  • Bristol City Centre – Broadmead and Cabot Circus retail area, pedestrian-friendly, mix of old and new architecture

  • Manchester City Centre – CBD regeneration around Spinningfields and Arndale, focus on leisure and business

Pedestrianisation

• Introduced to reduce congestion and improve air quality

• Boosts retail and tourism appeal

• Encourages outdoor cafés, markets, and public art

Examples:

• Cardiff Queen Street, Birmingham New Street, and Exeter High Street are all pedestrianised to enhance shopping and safety

Evaluation:

• Improves the environment, safety, and shopping experience

• Reduced car access may inconvenience some businesses or drivers

Features of UK towns and cities

• Each city’s structure reflects its industrial history, economic role, and recent regeneration

• Urban planning aims to balance heritage with modernisation

• Distinct zones are shaped by:

  • Economic processes (industry, commerce, housing markets)

  • Social processes (migration, gentrification, inequality)

  • Environmental factors (river valleys, green belts, transport corridors)

Zones of affluence

• Characteristics:

  • High-income housing areas often have detached homes with gardens

  • Clean environment, good schools, and low crime rates

  • High property values and strong community facilities

• Examples:

  • Clifton (Bristol), Didsbury (Manchester), Hampstead (London)

  • Suburbs and rural–urban fringe areas such as Solihull or Harrogate

• Why they developed:

  • Suburbanisation and counter-urbanisation allowed wealthier residents to move out of inner cities

  • Desire for space, greenery, and a better quality of life

  • Accessibility via cars and improved public transport

• Evaluation:

  • High living standards, strong local economy

  • Contributes to spatial inequality – high housing costs exclude lower-income residents

Zones of deprivation

• Characteristics:

  • Concentrated in inner-city areas or old industrial zones

  • High unemployment and lower educational attainment

  • Poor-quality housing, often in high-density estates or older terraces

  • Limited green space and higher crime rates

• Examples:

  • Easton (Bristol), Anfield (Liverpool), Moss Side (Manchester)

  • Areas around former industrial sites, e.g. Sheffield’s Lower Don Valley, before regeneration

• Causes:

  • Industrial decline and job losses after the 1970s

  • Outmigration of wealthier residents (suburbanisation)

  • Underinvestment in housing and services

• Evaluation:

  • Urban regeneration programmes are improving many inner-city areas

  • Persistent inequality and unemployment remain major challenges

Zones undergoing rapid regeneration

• Characteristics:

  • Former industrial or dockland areas redeveloped for housing, offices, and leisure

  • Mixed-use developments blending work, living, and recreation

  • Often part of long-term urban regeneration projects

• Examples:

  • Salford Quays (Manchester) – MediaCityUK, BBC relocation, digital industries

  • Cardiff Bay – transformation from docklands to modern waterfront housing and tourism

  • Bristol Harbourside – redeveloped into apartments, restaurants, and cultural venues

• Evaluation:

  • Creates new jobs, housing, and tourism opportunities

  • Can lead to gentrification — rising prices and loss of affordability for local residents

Multicultural communities

• Characteristics:

  • Found mainly in inner-city or regenerated districts

  • Diverse population from different ethnic, linguistic, and religious backgrounds

  • Wide range of cultural facilities, shops, restaurants, and festivals

• Examples:

  • Leicester – one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the UK, celebrating Diwali and Caribbean Carnival

  • Birmingham’s Sparkbrook and Manchester’s Rusholme (Curry Mile) – thriving multi-cultural districts

  • London – over 300 languages spoken; global cultural centre

• Benefits:

  • Promotes tolerance, creativity, and cultural diversity

  • Attracts tourism and international students

  • Enriches food, art, and music scenes

• Challenges:

  • Occasional social segregation or language barriers

  • Need for inclusive planning and equal access to services

Multi-purpose (mixed-use) zones

• Characteristics:

  • Combine residential, commercial, and leisure functions

  • Designed for accessibility and sustainability – reducing the need to travel

  • Encourage 24-hour activity and vibrant city life

• Examples:

  • Bristol Temple Quarter – regeneration of brownfield land into offices, shops, and apartments

  • Manchester Northern Quarter – creative industries, cafés, and housing integrated in one area

  • London Docklands (Canary Wharf) – high-rise business hub with residential and leisure spaces

• Evaluation:

  • Efficient land use boosts the local economy and reduces commuting

  • May increase congestion and noise; high rents can exclude smaller businesses