Gentrification of housing in Brisbane's inner city suburbs

Abstract

Cities which were founded or evolved during the period of the western industrial revolution (1820-1940) expanded in a manner which accorded distinct spatial locations to their populations. Such locations were based on the role of the inhabitants in that city’s growth and capitalization.The theories which evolved to explain the growth of cities during this period are examined and particular reference is made to their application in the development of Brisbane.The nature of inner Brisbane's suburbs is examined according to the form of capitalization employed and the location of the working class labour force.The author suggests that social changes in the inner Brisbane area have wrought a recognizable change in the appearance of Brisbane's housing stock. These social changes have been brought on by a number of factors - particularly the change in activity of the Central Business District. These changes affect the existing pattern of urbanization and have particular consequences for low income groups.The social changes occurring in selected areas of the inner city was investigated within the hypothesis that Brisbane is experiencing a process of Gentrification.Select demographic factors were analysed from the 1971 and 1976 censuses. This information was combined with the results of a street by street survey of the study areas. The street survey was undertaken to provide an index of housing stock renovations.It was found that there was a degree of conformity between the social changes and housing stock renovations within the study areas with the exceptions of South Brisbane and Milton which are experiencing a period of industrial expansion.The national economy is portrayed as an attenuator on the rate of social and housing stock changes in the inner city.The author suggests that the housing commission, planning legislation and residential groups have a role in the provision and control of residential facilities for those displaced or threatened with displacement in older suburbs. The role of these organizations is reviewed in view of the role of similar organizations in other states acting to offset the effects of redevelopment in traditional working class suburbs.