A follow-on study on the impact of urban redevelopment on local residents induced by the Asian games: An investigation in the three affected communities in Guangzhou

Abstract

<p>The Asian Games which was just successfully hosted in Guangzhou had projected a profound impact on the economic,social,cultural and urban development in Guangzhou. During the past few years,the Asian Games had triggered a new round of urban redevelopment,in which a large number of local communities and residents were affected. Urban redevelopment projects in Pazhou village,Zhibao community,and Wanfudong community have taken three different modes.Based on a large-scale questionnaire survey and follow-on in-depth interviews,this study aims to understand the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of redeveloped neighbourhoods and local residents,and to examine the actual impact of redevelopment projects brought to the residents in the post-Asian Games period.Overall,due to the lack of comprehensive consideration for local residents'interest,all the three redevelopment projects have resulted in adverse socio-economic outcomes,destruction of social networks and impaired neighborhood relationships,and lower community satisfaction.The urban redevelopment projects promoted by the Asian Games were highly efficient and effective in terms of physical environment improvement and urban beautification.In the meantime,this breathtaking redevelopment movement had brought about profound impact on local residents'lives in regard to physical, social,and psychological perspectives.In respect of physical changes,affected residents did experience an improved built environment and local facilities.However,the negative impact imposed on affected residents at social and psychological levels has overwhelmed the positive effects at physical level.Obviously,the local communities and residents have borne the severe social costs of the "magnificent and successful" urban redevelopment movement ignited by the Asian Games.<br></p>