IN-PERSON London. Section B

Abstract

Urban transformation strategies emerged in response to deindustrialization and economic restructuring during the mid-20th century. In the 1960s and 1970s, significant geographic and social changes occurred, leading to the development of historic city centres and the promotion of cities as tourism-centric destinations, which became key elements of economic urban development strategies. Tourism was considered a primary tool for fostering economic growth and attracting investments, prompting city governments to allocate more funds towards transformation initiatives. Gentrification and urban renewal, driven by tourism, not only altered the spatial landscape but also displaced the local community. This process of tourism-centric gentrification reshaped areas both in residential and commercial aspects, culminating in the creation of consumption-driven environments revolving around entertainment and leisure activities. The transformation of The Rocks serves as a prime example of gentrification and tourism-driven renewal that, unfortunately, altered the area’s historical narrative and negatively affected its community. The Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority (The SCRA), established in 1968, aimed to represent the historical essence of Sydney, but in doing so, it selectively emphasized certain aspects of history, creating a ‘constructed’ authenticity that overlooked the area’s industrial legacy and working-class narrative. This lack of attention to the industrial past eroded the transmission of heritage from one generation to another. While some fragments of history were preserved and showcased for tourism purposes, the developers’ interpretation of The Rocks’ history can be questioned due to their disregard for its industrial significance. As a result, the transformation presented a biased narrative of the area as the ‘birthplace of the Australian nation,’ omitting important historical markers from the built environment that were perceived as non-marketable.