URBAN RENEWAL, GENTRIFICATION; INVESTIGATION INTO FACTORS OF GENTRIFICATION THAT INFLUENCE THE QUALITY OF URBAN REDEVELOPMENT : THREE CASE STUDIES IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Abstract

Urban decay and renewal is a continuous cycle of the fall and rise of a city and gentrification is a process that is interdependent with the progression of urban renewal. Gentrification will determine the development of urban renewal and vice versa. It is essential to better understand the factors of gentrification affecting urban renewal in order to draw out the positive aspects of the gentrification process. The purpose of this research paper is to determine the various factors of gentrification that will influence the urban redevelopment, how these factors affect the quality of urban renewal and why are they happening. The hypothesis is generated from several existing gentrification theories and tested on the grounds of Australia. Three suburb towns with on-going gentrification process are selected as case studies in the context of Melbourne to compare the similarities and differences in gentrification mechanisms, physical and social contexts and influences of gentrification on urban environment through a comparison of the physical, economical, cultural and social impact. Dissertation Supervisor: