Context

1
Context
One of the most popular stocking fillers of
Christmas 2003 was The Idler Book of Crap Towns
(50 Worst Places to live in the UK). The top
five included
1st Place HULL!!!
2nd Place Cumbernauld
3rd Place Morecambe
4th Place Hythe
5th Place Winchester
2
Why was Hull named the worst town in the UK?
Source the idler.co.uk/
3
Views of Hull
Hull did teach me one valuable lesson. No matter
what happens to me in later life, no matter where
I live, or how bad things are, I will know that
it can never be as bad as living in Hull
Finlay Coutts-Briton (former inhabitant)
I wish I could think of one nice thing I could
tell you about Hull, oh yes.. Its very nice and
flat for cycling Poet Philip Larkin
I left Hull ten years ago and now live in
London. Even though London is far more expensive
and I never have any money I would never consider
going back to Hull Iain Robertson (former
inhabitant)
4
Objectives

• By the end of this session you should have
  achieved the following
• Identified a number of reasons why Hull has such
  a poor reputation
• Investigated the circumstances behind Hulls
  urban problems
• Discussed ways in which the city is trying to
  improve itself
• Evaluated whether Hull is likely to be successful
  in changing its image

5
Why was Hull named the worst town in the UK?

1. In your pairs you will be given a series of
   mystery cards to help you try to solve why Hull
   has such a poor reputation.
2. Most of the cards have links between them (cause
   and effect) but there are also some background
   cards providing a brief historical context. It is
   up to you sort them into a suitable order.
   However, there are some cards that have no real
   relevance to the mystery and you must identify
   them and put them to one side (red herrings).
3. Be prepared to explain your reasoning between the
   links that you have identified

6
Why was Hull named the worst town in the UK?

• Having completed your task consider the following
  questions
• What methods did you use to sort your
  information?
• Which parts of task did you find difficult/easy?
• What do you think are key reasons for Hulls
  reputation?
• What factors do you think may have caused Hulls
  problems?
• Would any other information have been useful in
  you completing this task?

7
Problems in MEDC cities
Case study Hull, UK Using the information you
have gathered from completing the mystery
exercise write a detailed account explaining the
problems that Hull is experiencing and the
factors that have led to such problems. Make sure
you include the following information Brief
background history of Hull location in
UK Description of the problems that Hull is
experiencing Explanation of the factors behind
Hulls problems
8
Hull the comeback!!!
Hull is experiencing a process of urban
regeneration using funds from the government, the
EU and private companies. Some of the urban
regeneration projects include
The Deep is Hulls 45.5 million millenium
project and the worlds only submarium. It
incorporates a visitor attraction, business
centre, lifelong learning annexe and marine
research facility.
The KC Stadium is Hulls 45 million community
stadium including an indoor athletics arena,
conference facilities and educational facilities.
9
Hull the comeback!!!
The Quays area focuses on regenerating the old
dockland area of Hull. The area is to combine
modern office space with tourist and public
facilities.
Regeneration in Hull is not simply about big
business and tourism there are also many
community projects. One such example is the
construction of Hulls brand new art college.
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Hull the comeback!!!
A key part of the urban regeneration process are
the multiplier effects that such projects may
bring. For every 1 spent it is hoped that many
more pounds in income will be created within the
city.

1. What do you understand by the term urban
   regeneration.

2. Explain the ways in which Hull has begun to
try and tackle its urban problems.
3. Do you think Hull has been sensible in
investing so much money on tourist attractions
such as The Deep and the marina? In your
opinion do you think such projects will be
successful?