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2.1.1 What’s in a Place
Topic Human - Changing Spaces Making Places
1.1 Place are Multifaceted, Shaped by
Shifting Flows and Connections which
Change Over Time
Case studies of two contrasting place profiles at a local scale, including:
their demographic, socio-economic, cultural, political, built and natural
characteristics that shape their place identity.
their past and present connections that shape the place identity and
embed them in regional, national, international and global scales
how shifting flows of people (such as commuter, migration), resources
(such as natural, technology), money and investment (such as EU
funding, TNCs) and ideas (such as knowledge economy) have helped
shape the demographic, socio-economic and cultural profile of these
places over time.
Key Definitions
Place identity: The combination of demographic, socio-economic, cultural,
political, built and natural characteristics that make a place unique.
Flows: Movements of people, resources, money and ideas that influence
and reshape places.
Connections: Past and present links at local, regional, national and global
scales that embed places in wider networks.
Place profile: A ‘story’ of a place, combining formal (census, statistics) and
informal (media, perceptions) representations.
2.1.1 What’s in a Place 1
, Case Study 1: Abingdon, Oxfordshire
(Market Town)
Demographic
Population: 33,200 (2021)), growth of 8% in 10 years.
Slightly fewer young people (0-15) than national average; similar proportion
of over-65s.
16.8% born outside UK; 10.2% ethnic minorities (below England average).
Socio-economic
37% hold Level 4+ qualifications (above national average).
Unemployment: 2.3% (below UK average).
House prices: £383k (above England average £298k).
Crime: 200/month, 40% violence/sexual offences.
Caldecott ward = 20% most deprived nationally, but most areas among
least deprived.
Cultural/Informal Representations
Historic traditions: Bun-throwing, Morris dancing, medieval fairs.
Heritage: Abbey ruins, Old Gaol, MG car factory legacy.
Leisure: Riverside walks, boating, outdoor swimming.
Media perceptions:
Guardian: picturesque, commuter town.
Ilivehere: shabby former wool/beer town, social divides.
Telegraph: 7th best place to live (North Abingdon).
Political
Alternating Liberal Democrat and Conservative MPs.
High voter turnout (77%).
Built & Natural Environment
2.1.1 What’s in a Place 2
, Riverside location, flood risk (major flood alleviation programme £100m+).
Expansion: 1100 new homes (2020-ongoing), proposed 5000-house garden
village.
Past & Present Connections
Past: Manufacturing decline (MG factory closed 1980, brewery moved
1999).
Present: Knowledge economy hub (Sophos, RM, Miele HQ).
Science & innovation: Harwell Campus, Culham nuclear fusion research
(JET).
Regional/national: Commuter links to Oxford and London (via Didcot
Parkway).
Global: EU-funded research, international scientists at Culham.
Flows
People: In-migration of professionals, small Polish community.
Money/investment: EU science funding, DEFRA flood programme.
Ideas: Knowledge economy, innovation in nuclear fusion.
Resources: Thames river shaping settlement, flood risk management.
Case Study 2: Aston, Birmingham (Inner-
City Ward)
Demographic
Population: 27,000
Younger age structure, high proportion under 30.
Ethnically diverse: Significant South Asian and Afro-Caribbean
communities.
Socio-economic
Historically industrial; now retail and service sectors dominate.
High unemployment, low household income.
2.1.1 What’s in a Place 3
, Education: Lower attainment, 31.7% with no qualifications (3rd highest in
Birmingham).
Crime: 113 per 1000 people; July 2024 = 469 crimes reported.
Cultural/Informal Representations
Strong community identity, cultural centres, mosques, festivals.
Vibrant multicultural cuisine, street markets.
Landmarks: Aston Hall (Jacobean mansion), Villa Park (Aston Villa FC).
Political
Traditionally Labour-supporting, reflecting working-class and diverse
population.
Active local initiatives for youth engagement (Aston Villa Foundation, Aston
University outreach).
Built & Natural Environment
Dense urban housing (terraces, social housing).
Limited green space.
Industrial heritage repurposed for modern use.
Past & Present Connections
Past: Industrial hub, manufacturing base.
Present: Service economy, regeneration projects.
Regional/national: Strong commuting links into Birmingham city centre.
Global: Migration flows shaping diversity; remittances and cultural
exchange.
Flows
People: Immigration (South Asian, Afro-Caribbean), internal migration
shaping demographics.
Money/Investment: Regeneration projects, service sector growth.
Ideas: Cultural vibrancy, festivals, community-led initiatives.
2.1.1 What’s in a Place 4
2.1.1 What’s in a Place
Topic Human - Changing Spaces Making Places
1.1 Place are Multifaceted, Shaped by
Shifting Flows and Connections which
Change Over Time
Case studies of two contrasting place profiles at a local scale, including:
their demographic, socio-economic, cultural, political, built and natural
characteristics that shape their place identity.
their past and present connections that shape the place identity and
embed them in regional, national, international and global scales
how shifting flows of people (such as commuter, migration), resources
(such as natural, technology), money and investment (such as EU
funding, TNCs) and ideas (such as knowledge economy) have helped
shape the demographic, socio-economic and cultural profile of these
places over time.
Key Definitions
Place identity: The combination of demographic, socio-economic, cultural,
political, built and natural characteristics that make a place unique.
Flows: Movements of people, resources, money and ideas that influence
and reshape places.
Connections: Past and present links at local, regional, national and global
scales that embed places in wider networks.
Place profile: A ‘story’ of a place, combining formal (census, statistics) and
informal (media, perceptions) representations.
2.1.1 What’s in a Place 1
, Case Study 1: Abingdon, Oxfordshire
(Market Town)
Demographic
Population: 33,200 (2021)), growth of 8% in 10 years.
Slightly fewer young people (0-15) than national average; similar proportion
of over-65s.
16.8% born outside UK; 10.2% ethnic minorities (below England average).
Socio-economic
37% hold Level 4+ qualifications (above national average).
Unemployment: 2.3% (below UK average).
House prices: £383k (above England average £298k).
Crime: 200/month, 40% violence/sexual offences.
Caldecott ward = 20% most deprived nationally, but most areas among
least deprived.
Cultural/Informal Representations
Historic traditions: Bun-throwing, Morris dancing, medieval fairs.
Heritage: Abbey ruins, Old Gaol, MG car factory legacy.
Leisure: Riverside walks, boating, outdoor swimming.
Media perceptions:
Guardian: picturesque, commuter town.
Ilivehere: shabby former wool/beer town, social divides.
Telegraph: 7th best place to live (North Abingdon).
Political
Alternating Liberal Democrat and Conservative MPs.
High voter turnout (77%).
Built & Natural Environment
2.1.1 What’s in a Place 2
, Riverside location, flood risk (major flood alleviation programme £100m+).
Expansion: 1100 new homes (2020-ongoing), proposed 5000-house garden
village.
Past & Present Connections
Past: Manufacturing decline (MG factory closed 1980, brewery moved
1999).
Present: Knowledge economy hub (Sophos, RM, Miele HQ).
Science & innovation: Harwell Campus, Culham nuclear fusion research
(JET).
Regional/national: Commuter links to Oxford and London (via Didcot
Parkway).
Global: EU-funded research, international scientists at Culham.
Flows
People: In-migration of professionals, small Polish community.
Money/investment: EU science funding, DEFRA flood programme.
Ideas: Knowledge economy, innovation in nuclear fusion.
Resources: Thames river shaping settlement, flood risk management.
Case Study 2: Aston, Birmingham (Inner-
City Ward)
Demographic
Population: 27,000
Younger age structure, high proportion under 30.
Ethnically diverse: Significant South Asian and Afro-Caribbean
communities.
Socio-economic
Historically industrial; now retail and service sectors dominate.
High unemployment, low household income.
2.1.1 What’s in a Place 3
, Education: Lower attainment, 31.7% with no qualifications (3rd highest in
Birmingham).
Crime: 113 per 1000 people; July 2024 = 469 crimes reported.
Cultural/Informal Representations
Strong community identity, cultural centres, mosques, festivals.
Vibrant multicultural cuisine, street markets.
Landmarks: Aston Hall (Jacobean mansion), Villa Park (Aston Villa FC).
Political
Traditionally Labour-supporting, reflecting working-class and diverse
population.
Active local initiatives for youth engagement (Aston Villa Foundation, Aston
University outreach).
Built & Natural Environment
Dense urban housing (terraces, social housing).
Limited green space.
Industrial heritage repurposed for modern use.
Past & Present Connections
Past: Industrial hub, manufacturing base.
Present: Service economy, regeneration projects.
Regional/national: Strong commuting links into Birmingham city centre.
Global: Migration flows shaping diversity; remittances and cultural
exchange.
Flows
People: Immigration (South Asian, Afro-Caribbean), internal migration
shaping demographics.
Money/Investment: Regeneration projects, service sector growth.
Ideas: Cultural vibrancy, festivals, community-led initiatives.
2.1.1 What’s in a Place 4
