The impact of the Jubilee Line Extension on a local neighbourhood
In September 1999, Transport for London opened the Jubilee Line Extension (JLE) through East London to improve the accessibility of relatively isolated areas. A 2-year study was undertaken by Birgitta Gatersleben to investigate the effects of this new link upon the local neighbourhoods.
The extension of the Jubilee Underground line includes the construction of 11 new stations, an extension of 16km into some of the most deprived areas in London. Integrating urban areas that have previously been isolated can have mixed effects; creating more facilities and raising house prices, but also damage neighbourhood character and disrupt the sense of community. To assess the JLE’s transport and psychological impact, a longitudinal study of the perceptions and attitudes of local residents was commissioned by the Jubilee Line Extension Impact Study Unit and TfL.
Four months before the opening of the JLE, questionnaires were sent to a sample of 2500 residential addresses within communities representing some of the least accessible areas before the JLE. Questionnaires covered the perception of the local area, social boundaries, and the expected impact of the JLE on their area. Two and a half years later, a similar questionnaire was sent to the same 2500 addresses to measure possible changes.
Findings showed that residents did not expect the JLE to have a negative impact on their neighbourhood, and believed it had a beneficial outcome for the area. Perceived social isolation was reduced, and people felt that the JLE provided an easier access to transport. There were some concerns, primarily among those with strong social barrier perceptions, but unequal to the benefits the majority reported.
For more information on this project, please see:
Jubilee Line Extension Impact Study Unit (2000) Perception Study, Baseline Report, Working Paper No. 25, Jubilee Line Extension Impact Study Unit, University of Westminster
Jubilee Line Extension Impact Study unit (2002) Perception Study, Comparison Report. Jubilee Line Extension Impact Study Unit, University of Westminster.
