CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Urban renewal is characterized by changes in physical structure, urban tissue, and the action of economic and social forces. As the city expands, competition for better locations occurs. In addition to this situation, regulations of land use and occupation contribute to the occurrence of different population densities.

Urban renewal is described as an interventionist activity to transform an urban area by improving its built environment and infrastructure, thereby enhancing the quality of life and provision of social services. It also improves economic conditions and employment opportunities, social and economic characteristics, and the advancement of environmental and ecological conditions as well. Urban renewal is a set of policies and planning practices that address urban problems through government-led redevelopment.

The urban renewal strategy focused on local community participation has demonstrated a positive effect on local realities. The market cannot adequately address the demands of renewal solely through its priorities. In this sense, one of the most widespread criticisms concerns to its failure to adequately meet a range of social needs, such as providing land for socially desirable uses, but not profitable, and serving economically vulnerable social groups

AIM

The aim of this field survey was to observed the state of the surveyed area in order to ascertain if there is need for urban renewal intervention.

• To provide for adequate expansion of the existing social facilities and establishment of new ones where needs arises.
• To minimize waste in construction, maintenance and controls of utilities and infrastructures through efficient land use.
• To arrange the existing land use in order to have a compatible and effective land use system.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study will be of importance to the government and the town planning committee and other appropriate agency as the basis for consideration and decision making.

This study will also be of benefit to the students as source of information for comparison and reference purpose.

SCOPE

The study area covers Umuaiha road, Nwa-eyen road, Chubb road and Alderton road in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

LIMITATION

The limitation encountered during the course of the survey were the busy state of the roads, the incessant movement by passers-by which disrupted concentration and lead to increase in more time spent during the survey.

NEED FOR URBAN RENEWAL

• Enhance housing affordability – Brings key workers closer proximity to employment opportunities
• Drives urban productivity E.g.: Creating mixed use development projects in CBD – Creating regional hubs just outside of city limits to reduce residential and commercial pressure on inner city area.
• Creates employment opportunities
• Attracts increased investments – Intensifying use of land – Densification of area can create new market for business

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