Sites of Destruction, Preservation, and Creation: How Working-Class Communities Resist Redevelopment

Becky Fay [ Email ]

Buildings can be destroyed, preserved, or created, and so too can the memories they hold. In the process of redevelopment, working-class communities are often marginalised, putting these memories at risk. This essay explores the innovative and resilient strategies employed by the residents of Somers Town to protect their collective memory and cultural identity in the face of relentless urban redevelopment and gentrification. It examines how these residents have used creative forms of resistance—such as public art, local museums, and digital platforms—to challenge dominant narratives of gentrification and reclaim control over their environment. These efforts highlight the crucial role of collective memory in fostering community cohesion and a sense of place, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by power dynamics and hierarchical representations of memory. Ultimately, the essay advocates for a more equitable approach to urban development that prioritises marginalised communities and ensures the preservation of diverse cultural heritage in the face of modernisation. By centring the voices of Somers Town's residents and showcasing their creative resistance, this study seeks to contribute to broader discussions on social inequality, urban regeneration, and the transformative potential of collective memory in building inclusive cities.

Introduction

“Why should ordinary people not have things of beauty?” – Ian Hamilton, architect, and former resident of Somers Town (Elms, 2023)

Hamilton’s words resonate with the idea that everyone deserves access to beauty regardless of their background. This underscores the importance of public art, communal spaces, and preserving the built environment that enriches our lives and connects us to our past (ibid.). This essay delves into the innovative strategies employed by working-class communities to safeguard the memories embedded in their built environment against the detrimental impacts of redevelopment. Through a thorough exploration of Somers Town's socio-spatial dynamics, it investigates the interconnectedness of the physical environment, collective memory, and resistance strategies amidst ongoing redevelopments. Grounded in theoretical frameworks articulated by scholars such as Martin Heidegger (2010) and Pierre Bourdieu (1977), the analysis endeavours to unravel the intricate layers of meaning inscribed within the area’s built environment.

Through a comprehensive survey of primary sources and ethnographic data, this study examines the ways in which Somers Town's residents negotiate their sense of identity and belonging vis-à-vis the urban landscape. By foregrounding the embodied experiences of individuals within the context of place, the essay analyses the manner in which memory becomes embedded in the materiality of the built environment, thereby shaping collective consciousness and community cohesion.

Central to this exploration is an interrogation of power dynamics at various scales, ranging from top-down redevelopment schemes to grassroots mobilisation efforts. Drawing upon insights from theorists such as James C. Scott (1987), the essay delineates the strategies employed by different actors in shaping the trajectory of urban development and contesting prevailing narratives of gentrification.

Moreover, the study situates Somers Town within the broader theoretical discourse surrounding collective memory and spatiality, drawing upon the insights of scholars such as Edward Casey (1985, 1996) to highlight the interplay between emplaced memory, historical narrative, and identity formation. By examining sites of destruction, sites of preservation, such as the Somers Town Peoples Museum, and sites of creation, such as the SPIRIT! online exhibition, the essay underscores how practices of remembering extend beyond physical boundaries to encompass digital realms, thereby transcending traditional notions of urban memory and heritage preservation.

Ultimately, this essay endeavours to contribute to raising awareness on issues of social inequality and gentrification by foregrounding the voices and experiences of Somers Town's residents. It seeks to elevate the discourse surrounding equitable urban development and the imperative of preserving diverse forms of cultural heritage in rapidly changing urban landscapes.

Context of Somers Town

Somers Town, nestled between Euston and St Pancras railway stations in central London, boasts a rich and multifaceted history marked by significant transformations. In the 19th Century, burgeoning railways and rapid industrialisation catalysed its urbanisation (Leslie, 2020). This period witnessed the emergence of mass housing tailored to the working class where living conditions were extremely poor. By the turn of the 20th century, concerted efforts to alleviate these conditions materialised in the form of large-scale housing projects aimed at eradicating slums and moving residents into improved social housing (ibid.). This had an immense impact on the quality of life in Somers Town and forged its identity as a radical space where welfare and equality prospered.

Over time, the district’s proximity to major railway hubs continued to influence its character and demographics with multiple waves of immigrants (ibid.). Somers Town became a vibrant cultural and social hub. However, recent years have witnessed a surge in redevelopment initiatives aimed at revitalising housing and infrastructure. While these projects promise modernisation, they have also exacerbated gentrification in the area, posing a threat to the preservation of the local working-class heritage.

Of particular concern are large-scale construction endeavours such as the HS2 railway project, which, while capitalising on the area's strategic location for economic gain, overlook the needs of the local community (Brownhill, 2017). In response, community members have mobilised to advocate for regeneration efforts that prioritise their well-being and uphold the district's heritage. Notably, the Somers Town Neighbourhood Forum has taken a proactive role in engaging the local community in planning and development discussions, aiming to address both opportunities and threats. In 2016, the forum published a Neighbourhood Plan outlining the necessity for affordable and sustainable housing, the preservation of local green spaces, and the establishment of community and cultural facilities (Foster, 2015). However, these proposals have largely been overlooked by the authorities. Nevertheless, the community has pursued alternative methods of resistance, as discussed in this essay.

Somers Town's significance as a case study lies not only in its geographical position but also in the resilience of its community. Amidst the threat of gentrification and social inequality, residents have demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and determination in resisting the homogenizing forces of redevelopment. Their creative forms of resistance underscore the intricate relationship between memory, attachment to the built environment, and the enduring struggle for social justice.

Theoretical Framework

Placemaking is intricately tied to the relationship between individuals and their physical surroundings. Martin Heidegger's concept of Dasein, ‘beings-in-the-world,' posits that humans are inexorably intertwined with their environment, suggesting a mutual dependence where neither can exist independently of the other (Heidegger, 2010). In this light, Somers Town owes its existence to the lived experiences of its inhabitants within its built environment.

Bourdieu's theory of habitus further highlights the significance of place in shaping individual identity (1977). It describes how individuals internalise social structures and cultural norms, forming durable dispositions that inform their behaviour and perception of space (ibid.). Thus, the physical environment becomes imbued with meaning through processes of socialisation and embodiment (ibid.). This transformation from mere space to meaningful place is contingent upon broader socio-political contexts that influence how individuals engage with their surroundings (Sen, 2013). Emphasising this embodiment underscores how individuals and communities invest their lived experiences and memories into the physical and social fabric of their environment. Consequently, redevelopment initiatives entail more than the mere physical alteration of the built environment; they also entail the restructuring of the community's social and psychological landscape (Fasulo, 2015).

This takes form in the process of gentrification. Characterised by the refurbishment of working-class neighbourhoods through an influx of private capital and middle-class residents (Kohn, 2013), gentrification manifests in several harmful outcomes. These include residential displacement, social exclusion, and the transformation of public, social, and commercial spaces, leading to polarization and homogenisation (ibid.). However, the fundamental harm associated with gentrification lies not solely in its process, but rather in the exacerbation of inequality (ibid.). Gentrification renders the growing inequality and income disparity visible, vivid, and concrete, thereby fundamentally altering the identity of a neighbourhood (ibid.). This radical transformation often results in the erosion of the community's identity, adversely impacting the sense of belonging among its residents.

Power dynamics within neighbourhoods are complex and while top-down redevelopment efforts wield considerable influence, it is imperative to recognise the potential of embodied placemaking as a "weapon of the weak" (Scott, 1987). Such grassroots initiatives offer avenues for marginalised communities to assert agency and challenge oppressive structures. By examining power dynamics from various vantage points—from above, from the middle, and from below—this essay seeks to illuminate how collective memory intersects with urban development (Brownhill, 2017). It underscores the role of everyday individuals in activating collective memories as a means of resistance. Moreover, it underscores how communities forge solidarity in response to top-down power dynamics, underscoring the importance of bottom-up mobilisation in shaping urban landscapes.

Sites of Destruction

If you walk through the centre of Somers Town where Chalton Street meets Phoenix Road, a destruction site sits boarded up as seen in Figure 1. The previous structure was demolished a couple of years ago and has since remained untouched, yet the artwork adorning the boards is in a constant state of flux. One side serves as a canvas for a small local gallery, while the other is utilised by The People’s Museum, both showcasing political art.

The artwork serves as a memorial to various social movements within the Somers Town community. For instance, the 'Flag for London' displayed above, designed by a local art gallery, symbolises concerns regarding escalating rent prices and dwindling rental supply across the city. This underscores the persistent housing issues in the area, exacerbated by regeneration failures. Take, for instance, the Brill Place Tower, a 25-story luxury apartment complex erected on a public park. Its construction sparked significant local opposition, epitomised by the 'Trees not Towers' movement (Gulliver, 2020). Despite the tower's completion, the memory of the social movement endures, evident at sites like this boarded-up building.

Social movements strategically leverage the past, serving as crucial agents in preserving collective memory (Eyerman, 2015). While the built environment plays a central role in this endeavour, the motivations and actors involved are more nuanced than they may initially appear. The adjacent mural, contrasting with the 'Flag for London,' advocates for heritage, asserting that 'Housing is not enough, People need roots.' This message is reinforced by elaborate depictions of historical figures and symbols from Somers Town. The divergent messages conveyed by these boards reflect the competing interests within the community. On one hand, the art gallery represents young adults and professionals seeking affordable housing in central London, while on the other, the local museum advocates for the working class community deeply rooted in the area, prioritising heritage preservation.

This juxtaposition underscores the complexity of the neighborhood and highlights that state actors are not the sole threat to collective memory. Gentrifiers often appropriate the authenticity of the neighbourhood, leveraging collective memories to assert a connection with the local community (Loughran et al., 2015). However, the relationship between collective memory and gentrification is deeply intertwined with power dynamics. Newcomers, wielding disproportionate capital compared to longtime residents, often see their vision of the neighbourhood triumph, shaping its memory according to their perspective (ibid.). Examining the built environment unveils the various power dynamics at play, profoundly influencing the collective memory of communities.

Sites of Preservation

“Somers Town is changing rapidly. The museum is set up to preserve an area that feels at risk of extinction. And we believe working-class areas deserve to have museums!” - A Space For Us, People’s Museum Somers Town (n.d.)

Situated on Phoenix Road, bridging St Pancras International and Euston station, the Somers Town Peoples Museum may not boast grand Greek columns or marble floors, but it nonetheless attracts the occasional passerby.

The museum is committed to collecting, preserving, and commemorating the working-class history of the area. One of its flagship initiatives is the 'Heritage Trail,' a pedestrian route threading through Somers Town, showcasing historical buildings, symbols, and artwork. Here, the built environment serves as a canvas for exhibiting 'emplaced memories’ (Casey, 1996).

Edward Casey’s theory of emplaced memory builds upon the phenomenological concept of 'place’, asserting that meaning is derived through the interaction of our intentionality with the material and physical aspects of the environment (ibid.). Thus, meandering through familiar locales facilitates the fundamental function of memory – remembering (Casey, 1987). The 'Heritage Trail' seeks to evoke the memories ingrained in the built environment, offering an embodied experience that transcends both space and time, resonating with longtime residents, newcomers, and visitors alike.  

However, a hierarchical structure persists in this mode of remembrance. The narratives portrayed on the trail predominantly spotlight 'significant' historical figures like Charles Dickens, rather than the everyday experiences of the working-class residents. Consequently, while collective memory embodies a spectrum of diverse recollections, certain dominant narratives tend to overshadow or obscure others (Loughran et al., 2015). Nonetheless, the museum endeavours to amplify the stories of average residents through alternative projects.

Sites of Creation 

The Peoples Museum's commemorative efforts extend beyond physical confines to the digital realm through their online platform, SPIRIT! An interactive exhibition that chronicles Somers Town's history from the early 20th century to the present day (SPIRIT! Somers Town, n.d.).  

The website adopts a narrative approach, spotlighting ordinary characters from the community rather than 'significant' historical figures. Through a blend of photographs and film, viewers embark on a journey through Somers Town, guided by residents recounting memories tied to various landmarks such as houses and pubs. This emplaced autobiography offers an immersive experience, intertwining sensory and psychological perceptions, thereby providing novel ways of making sense of one’s position in the world (Fasulo, 2015).  

This approach aligns with Bourdieu’s theory of habitus as the entrenched structures of the past manifest through everyday actions, reinforcing the significance of embodied memory (Bourdieu, 1977). Furthermore, the significance of this transcends physical boundaries as seen in how it extends into the digital space.

Engagement with a place in the digital domain can strengthen individuals' connections to urban spaces (Zafer, 2021). Technology has precipitated significant societal transformations, altering social structures and patterns in ways that impact collective memory (ibid.). The internet facilitates the sharing and co-creation of place-based memories, democratising participation and enabling community members to narrate their stories (ibid.). Consequently, digital platforms like SPIRIT! become tools for the Somers Town community to challenge social inequalities entrenched in their physical reality.

While digitalisation facilitates the process of sharing and storytelling to a wider audience it also transforms the relationship between remembering and forgetting spatially. Another one of the Museum’s online initiatives, ‘Lost/found: Somers Town’ resurrects forgotten objects, reformers, and radical thinkers by posting photographs and descriptions of them on this page (Lost/Found Somers Town, n.d.). Unlike physical artefacts that are susceptible to loss or destruction, data shared online persists indefinitely reducing the possibility of memory being forgotten or destroyed (Zafer, 2021). This immortalisation of memory supports the idea that digital and virtual tools can be used to strengthen and preserve urban collective memory (ibid.).  

Conclusion   

In conclusion, the intricate interplay between collective memory and resistance in the face of urban regeneration emerges as a compelling narrative within the context of Somers Town, London. Through examining socio-spatial dynamics, theoretical frameworks, and ethnographic data, this essay has illuminated the multifaceted strategies employed by working-class communities to preserve their heritage amidst the relentless tide of redevelopment.  

Somers Town, with its rich history and diverse demographics, serves as a microcosm of broader urban challenges, where the forces of gentrification threaten to erode the very fabric of community identity. However, embedded within the physical environment of Somers Town are the echoes of collective memory, inscribed in the walls of demolished buildings, celebrated in local museums, and immortalised in digital platforms.  

Drawing upon theoretical insights from Martin Heidegger, Pierre Bourdieu, and others, this essay has underscored the significance of place in shaping individual and collective identity. From the embodied experiences of residents to the emplaced narratives of historical figures, Somers Town's built environment serves as a repository of memory. Through diverse modes of remembering, residents have used initiatives such as the Heritage Trail and the SPIRIT! online exhibition as a form of resistance. Amplifying working-class voices, challenging dominant narratives of urban development and reclaiming agency over the preservation of cultural heritage.  

However, amidst these acts of resistance, challenges persist. The hierarchical nature of memory representation, as evidenced by the influence of power dynamics and the dominance of certain narratives over others, underscores the ongoing struggle for inclusivity and representation within the urban landscape.

In light of these challenges, this essay calls for a commitment to equitable urban development, one that prioritises the voices and experiences of marginalised communities. By centring the narratives of Somers Town's residents and highlighting the transformative potential of collective memory, this study seeks to inspire broader conversations on the intersection of social inequality, urban regeneration, and heritage preservation.  

References

Bourdieu, P. (1977). Outline of a Theory of Practice: Vol. v. Series Number 16 (1st ed.). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511812507  

Brownill, S. (2017). Assembling neighbourhoods: topologies of power and the reshaping of planning. In Localism and Neighbourhood Planning (pp. 145–162). Policy Press. https://doi.org/10.51952/9781447329510.ch009  

Casey, E. S. (1983). Keeping the past in Mind. The Review of Metaphysics, 37(1), 77–95.  

Casey, E. S. (1996). How to get from space to place in a fairly short stretch of time: Phenomenological prolegomena. Senses of place, 27, 14-51.  

Elms, Robert. "Why should ordinary people not have things of beauty?". BBC. (2023, May 14).  Retrieved April 29, 2024, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0fn7j66  

Eyerman, R. (2015). Social movements and memory. In Routledge International Handbook of Memory Studies (pp. 79–83). https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203762844  

Fasulo, A. (2015). Walking the autobiographical path: The spatial dimension of remembering in a memoir by Italo Calvino. In Routledge International Handbook of Memory Studies (pp. 311–325). https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203762844  

Foster, D. (2015). Somers Town Neighbourhood Plan. Somers Town Neighbourhood Forum. Retrieved April 21, 2024, from https://somerstownplan.info/plan/  

French, B. M. (2012). The Semiotics of Collective Memories. Annual Review of Anthropology, 41(1), 337–353. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-anthro-081309-145936  

Gulliver, J. (2020, October 29). Profit and Somers Town’s loss. CamdenNewJournal. https://www.camdennewjournal.co.uk/article/profit-and-somers-towns-loss  

Heidegger, M. (2010). Being and time. Suny Press.

Kohn, M. (2013). What is wrong with gentrification? Urban Research & Practice, 6(3), 297–310. https://doi.org/10.1080/17535069.2013.846006  

Leslie, Esther. Squatted Somers Town. Walking Cities: London. (2020). United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis.  

Lost/Found Somers Town. A Space For Us. https://lostfound.aspaceforus.club/  

Loughran, K., Fine, G. A., & Hunter, M. A. (2015). Urban spaces, city cultures, and collective memories. In Routledge International Handbook of Memory Studies (pp. 193–204). https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203762844  

Narvaez, R. F. (2006). Embodiment, Collective Memory and Time. Body & Society, 12(3), 51–73. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357034X06067156  

People's Museum Somers Town. A Space For Us. https://aspaceforus.club/  

Scott, J. C. (1987). Weapons of the Weak: Everyday Forms of Peasant Resistance (1st ed., pp. xxii-x389). Yale University Press.  

Sen, A. (2013). Making place: space and embodiment in the city / edited by Arijit Sen and Lisa Silverman. Indiana University Press.  

Somers Town Neighbourhood Forum (2016). Trees not towers. https://somerstownplan.info/trees-not-towers/ 

SPIRIT! Somers Town. A Space For Us. https://spirit.aspaceforus.club/  

Zafer, S. (2021). Virtual way of remembering and forgetting of place. Livenarch VII, 162.