Limitations of Gentrification

Despite the numerous pros that have been highlighted which undoubtedly follow in accordance with this modernisation of Stratford, there are also, as previously mentioned some definite issues arising regarding not only a loss of community and English culture but the foreign influence that makes up a large part of the city also, and Stratford shows some clear examples of this. 

The Pigeons

Tesco Express

Once a thriving pub and hotel, (in more recent years) known as just The Pigeons, opening as a hotel in 1826, The 3 Pigeons (as it was formerly known) granted immigrants and travellers a chance to enjoy a moderately priced London. But in 2010, like many establishments that have been robbed of identity, The Pigeons was forced to close and a Tesco Express was put in its place. Although it still maintains the pub style outside, there is a massive loss of identity for the area as pubs in England a commonly loved by locals as, generally speaking, they bring communities closer through the bond of intoxication and sporting events.     

Just a stone throw away from the Stratford UEL campus is Romford Road which sees a chicken shop and 3 off licenses situated alongside each other almost immediately after you turn onto the road from the campus. Like many off licences in London they are owned and ran by predominantly foreign families which partially contribute to the racial diversity that London has become so famous for. And since one is facing closure due to this competition from chains such as Tesco, or Sainsbury’s that was built virtually on the opposite side of the road to Tesco and given the universal acceptance of quality, they seem far more attractive to the masses than a small family ran retailers. Taking all this into consideration it’s possible that London is changing in a way that is not only modernised but seems to be stamping down on class and culture differences to create one intended audience that will make up the entirety of the city.

Off Licence (Romford Road)

From this we can gain a sense that not only specific areas of the city are becoming gentrified but London as a whole is appealing to principally middle-class, wealthier people as of course the smaller businesses cannot compete with the selection, prices/ deals and the amount of staffing that usually make for an easy transaction.

James Dathorne.