Question 2 ‘Urban redevelopment brings many benefits to an area and its inhabitants.’
List one social, one economic and one environmental benefit it can bring to an area and briefly explain each benefit. [12 marks]
Sample Answer Urban redevelopment is when old rundown houses and buildings are demolished. The original inhabitants are relocated to the suburbs and new shops and businesses are built on the valuable inner-city land. An example of this would be Ballymun in Dublin, which was created in the 1960s to relocate Dublin’s inner-city residents.
Social benefit: A social benefit of urban redevelopment is that the people relocated can often move to better housing with more space. People may be moved from apartments to houses with gardens. This may improve quality of life as families with children have more room to socialise.
Economic benefit: The valuable inner-city land once occupied with residential properties can be replaced with shops and businesses which generate income for the government with taxes and create jobs for that area.
Environmental benefit: Old buildings in disrepair or near collapse can be replaced with energy- efficient buildings. Land that previously had buildings on it can be rezoned as recreational to have parks with trees, which will improve the local ecosystem.
Marks Awarded
3 marks for a clear definition of urban development 3 marks each for a clear example of a social, economic and environmental benefit • 1 mark for naming example • 2 marks for explaining 3 + (3 × 3) = 12 marks Total = 12 marks