1. The Holgate School Geography Department 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: 5th Place = Winchester 4th Place = Hythe 3rd Place = Morecambe 2nd Place = Cumbernauld 1st Place = HULL!!!

2. The Holgate School Geography Department Why was Hull named the worst town in the UK? Source: Source: the idler.co.uk/

3. The Holgate School Geography Department Views of Hull “I wish I could think of one nice thing I could tell you about Hull, oh yes….. It’s very nice and flat for cycling” Poet Philip Larkin “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 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. The Holgate School Geography Department Objectives By the end of this session you should have achieved the following: 1.Identified a number of reasons why Hull has such a poor reputation 2.Investigated the circumstances behind Hull’s urban problems 3.Discussed ways in which the city is trying to improve itself 4.Evaluated whether Hull is likely to be successful in changing its image

5. The Holgate School Geography Department 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. (red herrings) 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. The Holgate School Geography Department 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 Hull’s reputation? What factors do you think may have caused Hull’s problems? Would any other information have been useful in you completing this task?

7. The Holgate School Geography Department 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 Description of the problems that Hull is experiencing Explanation Explanation of the factors behind Hull’s problems

8. The Holgate School Geography Department 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 Hull’s £45.5 million millenium project and the world’s only submarium. It incorporates a visitor attraction, business centre, lifelong learning annexe and marine research facility. The KC Stadium is Hull’s £45 million community stadium including an indoor athletics arena, conference facilities and educational facilities.

9. The Holgate School Geography Department 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 Hull’s brand new art college.

10. The Holgate School Geography Department Hull – the comeback!!! multiplier effects 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?