From global to local: The case of migration and urban identity for regenerative city transformations

Abstract

Migration often plays a major part in urban regeneration approaches. It also plays a part in how city environments can revitalise their identities. Migration is recognised as part of urban change and city life, through which we can potentially strengthen the ‘multiplicity’ of the city not only as a character but as a quality in city life. Existing studies on migration and cities mostly look into specific projects that address examples of city transformations, urban revitalisation, economic growth and reversing the urban decline. Nonetheless, there are negative perceptions against migration, or the growing migration, in cities across the world. This paper explores the regenerative transformations of the Spitalfields district in the city of London, UK. Through this case study, the paper aims to debate the position of migration in city environments, and how it can help to regenerate communities in a healthy way. It also highlights the importance of urban identity and how it forms new socio-spatial polity through different phases of development. Findings from this study are novel discussions around the discourse of migration and cities, particularly from the urban identity regeneration perspective. Therefore, this study contributes to the field of urban regeneration from the perspective of migration and urban identity.