The Life and Death of the Shopping City: Public Planning and Private Redevelopment in Britain since 1945

The book explores how British cities have changed since the Second World War, driven by a retail-driven developmental model. It shows how planners, property developers, councils, and retailers worked together to create the modern shopping city, reshaping the physical fabric, economy, and experience of cities. It also offers a wider social history of mass affluence and how cities were transformed to meet the demands of a society of shoppers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The years since the Second World War have seen significant changes in British cities, driven by various factors. This innovative new history delves into the evolution of post-war British cities, encompassing the 1940s era of reconstruction, the rise and fall of modernist urban renewal, and the current crisis of high street retailing and central area economies. Author Alistair Kefford explores how planners, property developers, councils, and retailers collaborated to create the modern shopping city, reshaping the physical fabric, economy, and experience of cities around this retail-driven developmental model.

Furthermore, this book offers a broader social history of mass affluence, shedding light on how cities were transformed to cater to the perceived demands of a society focused on shopping. This transformation was particularly urgent in the era of urban deindustrialization, as cities sought to adapt and thrive in a changing economic landscape. By bringing the story of the shopping city to its present-day crisis and collapse, Kefford highlights how the historical trajectories traced in this book continue to shape urban Britain today.

The 1940s era of reconstruction marked a pivotal moment in the development of British cities. Following the devastation of World War II, cities were in need of extensive rebuilding and renewal. The government launched various initiatives to support this reconstruction, including the Town and Country Planning Act of 1947, which aimed to promote the development of new towns and rural areas.

One of the key features of the post-war British city was the rise of the shopping mall. These enclosed shopping centers, often located in suburban areas, provided a convenient and modern shopping experience for consumers. They featured a wide range of stores, including department stores, supermarkets, and specialty shops, and were designed to attract people from across the city.

However, the rise of the shopping mall also had its downsides. It led to the displacement of traditional retail businesses, particularly in inner-city areas, and contributed to the decline of many urban neighborhoods. Moreover, the shopping mall was often seen as a symbol of consumerism and materialism, and some critics argued that it contributed to social isolation and the loss of community.

In the 1960s and 1970s, a new wave of modernist urban renewal swept through British cities. This movement was driven by a desire to create new, functional, and efficient cities that could compete in the global economy. Modernist planners sought to replace traditional urban forms with high-rise buildings, concrete parks, and public transportation systems.

One of the most iconic examples of modernist urban renewal is the Barbican Estate in London. Designed by architect Sir Denys Lasdun, the Barbican Estate is a collection of high-rise apartments, offices, and public spaces. It was built in the 1960s and 1970s and is known for its brutalist architecture and its commitment to sustainability.

However, modernist urban renewal also had its critics. Some argued that it was too focused on the needs of the economy and the corporation, and that it ignored the social and cultural needs of urban residents. Others pointed out that modernist buildings were often cold, impersonal, and lacked character, and that they contributed to the decline of many urban neighborhoods.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the shopping mall continued to dominate British cities. However, the rise of the internet and the growth of e-commerce began to challenge the traditional retail model. Many traditional stores closed down, and shopping centers began to struggle.

One of the most significant impacts of the internet on British cities was the rise of online shopping. Online retailers such as Amazon and eBay disrupted the traditional retail landscape, offering consumers a wider range of products and lower prices. This led to the closure of many high street stores, particularly in inner-city areas, and contributed to the decline of many urban neighborhoods.

In recent years, the shopping mall has faced further challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant decline in foot traffic, as many consumers have stayed home and avoided public spaces. This has led to the closure of many stores, particularly in high street malls, and has contributed to the economic crisis facing many British cities.

In conclusion, the years since the Second World War have seen significant changes in British cities, driven by various factors. The rise of the shopping mall, modernist urban renewal, and the impact of the internet have all contributed to the reshaping of British cities. While the shopping mall has provided a convenient and modern shopping experience, it has also led to the displacement of traditional retail businesses and contributed to the decline of many urban neighborhoods. Modernist urban renewal was driven by a desire to create new, functional, and efficient cities, but it also had its critics who argued that it ignored the social and cultural needs of urban residents. The rise of online shopping has further challenged the traditional retail model, leading to the closure of many stores and contributing to the economic crisis facing many British cities. As British cities continue to evolve, it will be important to consider the impact of these changes on urban residents and the broader community.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108799164