Smith, A. 2021. Sustaining municipal parks in an era of neoliberal austerity: The contested commercialisation of Gunnersbury Park. Environment and Planning A. 53 (4), pp. 704-722. https://doi.org/10.1177/0308518X20951814
| Title | Sustaining municipal parks in an era of neoliberal austerity: The contested commercialisation of Gunnersbury Park |
|---|---|
| Type | Journal article |
| Authors | Smith, A. |
| Abstract | This paper analyses a potentially path shaping moment for the UK’s public parks by analysing a pivotal case study of park neoliberalisation. Like many municipal parks, Gunnersbury Park in West London is experiencing the effects of local government budget cuts. Governance, policy and physical changes have been introduced to reduce dependence on public funding and the result is a more commercially oriented park. This case is used to better understand how the period of neoliberal austerity 2010-2020 reshaped municipal parks. The paper highlights concerns over the transparency and accountability of the social enterprise that now manages Gunnersbury Park. It also shows how neoliberalisation and commercialisation are manifested in the park landscape: free events are replaced with ticketed ones, spaces for sport are transformed into bookable facilities, cafes are taken over by corporate chains and playgrounds are supplemented with paid entry alternatives. One of the main consequences is the financial and symbolic exclusion of those unable or unwilling to pay. The paper explores who has contested the recent changes, and why. Opponents are dismissed as idealistic NIMBYs but, by refusing to accept the post-political inevitability of park neoliberalisation, they are helping to ensure Gunnersbury Park’s remains a public and open space. The case is contextualised by situating it within a review of new park governance arrangements across London, and by comparing neoliberalisation processes here with those affecting New York parks. Ultimately, the research highlights the pitfalls of shifting away from the public funding and public management of municipal parks. |
| Keywords | Festivals |
| Public Space | |
| Parks | |
| Green Space | |
| Neoliberalisation | |
| Journal | Environment and Planning A |
| Journal citation | 53 (4), pp. 704-722 |
| ISSN | 0308-518X |
| Year | 2021 |
| Publisher | Sage |
| Accepted author manuscript | License CC BY 4.0 File Access Level Open (open metadata and files) |
| Publisher's version | License CC BY 4.0 File Access Level Open (open metadata and files) |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1177/0308518X20951814 |
| Web address (URL) | https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0308518X20951814 |
| Publication dates | |
| Published online | 23 Aug 2020 |
| Published in print | Jun 2021 |
| Supplemental file | License CC BY 4.0 File Access Level Open (open metadata and files) |
Urban Regeneration
Smith, A. 2024. Urban Regeneration. in: Gold, J.R. and Gold, M.M. (ed.) Olympic Cities: City Agendas, Planning and the World's Games 1896-2032 Routledge. pp. 265-279
Olympic Urbanism: Past, Present and Future
Smith, A. 2024. Olympic Urbanism: Past, Present and Future. Planning Perspectives. 39 (3), pp. 487-499. https://doi.org/10.1080/02665433.2024.2344598
Propositions and recommendations for enhancing the legacies of major sporting events for disadvantaged communities and individuals28 (8), pp. 1243-1254
Chen, Shushu, Quinton, Mary, Alharbi, Abdullah, Bao, Helen X H, Bell, Barbara, Carter, Barnaby, Duignan, Michael B, Heyes, Andrew, Kaplanidou, Kyriaki, Karamani, Maria, Kennelly, Jacquline, Kokolakakis, Themis, Lee, Mark, Liang, Xiao, Maharaj, Brij, Mair, Judith, Smith, Andrew, van Blerk, Lorraine and Veldhuizen van Zanten, Jet 2024. Propositions and recommendations for enhancing the legacies of major sporting events for disadvantaged communities and individuals28 (8), pp. 1243-1254. Event Management. 28 (8), pp. 1243-1254. https://doi.org/10.3727/152599524x17077053867647
A Contemporary Archaeology of London’s Mega Events: From the Great Exhibition to London 2012
Smith, A. 2024. A Contemporary Archaeology of London’s Mega Events: From the Great Exhibition to London 2012. The London Journal. 49 (1), pp. 119-121. https://doi.org/10.1080/03058034.2023.2227547
Programming Parks. How do Organized Events and Activities Affect the Inclusivity of Urban Green Spaces?
Smith, A., Osborn, G. and Vodicka, G. 2024. Programming Parks. How do Organized Events and Activities Affect the Inclusivity of Urban Green Spaces? Journal of Leisure Research. 55 (3), pp. 344-362. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.2023.2210563
De-municipalisation? Legacies of austerity for England’s urban parks
Smith, A., Whitten, M. and Ernwein, M. 2023. De-municipalisation? Legacies of austerity for England’s urban parks. The Geographical Journal. Advanced online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/geoj.12518
Private events for public benefit? Events and the emergence of public-private parks
Smith, A. 2023. Private events for public benefit? Events and the emergence of public-private parks. Event Management. 27 (5), pp. 809-813. https://doi.org/10.3727/152599523X16796167688112
Beyond the pale: fencing off parks for festivals
Smith, A. 2023. Beyond the pale: fencing off parks for festivals . Urban Studies. 60 (14), pp. 2763-2778. https://doi.org/10.1177/00420980231160943
Festive Parks as Inclusive Spaces: Celebrating Latin American London in Finsbury Park
Smith, A. and Ertem, D. 2023. Festive Parks as Inclusive Spaces: Celebrating Latin American London in Finsbury Park. The London Journal. 48 (3), pp. 279-298. https://doi.org/10.1080/03058034.2023.2180861
Festivity and Inclusivity: Latino Life in the Park
Smith, A. 2022. Festivity and Inclusivity: Latino Life in the Park.
Festival City Futures: Reflections and Conclusions
Bernadette Quinn, Andrew Smith and Guy Osborn 2022. Festival City Futures: Reflections and Conclusions. in: Smith, A., Osborn, G. and Quinn, B. (ed.) Festivals and the City: The Contested Geographies of Urban Events University of Westminster.
The Festivalisation of London’s Parks: The Friends’ Perspective
Andrew Smith, Guy Osborn and Goran Vodicka 2022. The Festivalisation of London’s Parks: The Friends’ Perspective. in: Andrew Smith, Guy Osborn and Bernadette Quinn (ed.) Festivals and the City: The Contested Geographies of Urban Events University of Westminster.
Introduction: Festivalisation as a Contested Urban Strategy
Smith, A., Osborn, G. and Quinn, B. 2022. Introduction: Festivalisation as a Contested Urban Strategy. in: Smith, A., Osborn, G. and Quinn, B. (ed.) Festivals and the City: The Contested Geographies of Urban Events University of Westminster Press.
Private events in a public park: Contested music festivals and socio-spatial justice in Finsbury Park, London
Smith, A., Osborn, G. and Vodicka, G. 2022. Private events in a public park: Contested music festivals and socio-spatial justice in Finsbury Park, London. in: Plüschke-Altof, B. and Sooväli-Sepping, H. (ed.) Whose Green City? Springer. pp. 83-102
Tourists’ experiences of mega-event cities: Rio’s olympic ‘double bubbles’
Duignan, M., Pappalepore, I., Smith, A. and Ivanescu, Y. 2022. Tourists’ experiences of mega-event cities: Rio’s olympic ‘double bubbles’. Annals of Leisure Research. 25 (1), pp. 71-92. https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2021.1880945
The Social Value of Community Events: A Literature Review
Smith, A., Quinn, B., Mamattah, S., Hell, N., McPherson, G., McGillivray, D. and Cox, T. 2021. The Social Value of Community Events: A Literature Review. Paisley University of the West of Scotland.
Events and sustainability: why making events more sustainable is not enough
Mair, J. and Smith, A. 2021. Events and sustainability: why making events more sustainable is not enough. Journal of Sustainable Tourism . 29 (11-12), pp. 1739-1755. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2021.1942480
Staging city events in public spaces: an urban design perspective
Smith, A., Vodicka, G., Colombo, A., Lindström K., McGillivray, D. and Quinn, B. 2021. Staging city events in public spaces: an urban design perspective . International Journal of Events and Festival Management. 12 (2), pp. 224-239. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEFM-10-2020-0063
Festivals, public space and cultural inclusion: public policy insights
Quinn, B., Columbo, A., Lindström, K., McGillivray, D. and Smith, A. 2021. Festivals, public space and cultural inclusion: public policy insights. Journal of Sustainable Tourism . 29 (12), pp. 1875-1893. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2020.1858090
The long-term implications of mega-event projects for urban public spaces
Smith, A. and McGillivray, D. 2020. The long-term implications of mega-event projects for urban public spaces. Sport in Society: Cultures, Commerce, Media, Politics. 25 (10), pp. 2107-2123. https://doi.org/10.1080/17430437.2020.1826934
Events in London's parks: the friends' perspective
Smith, A. and Vodicka, G. 2020. Events in London's parks: the friends' perspective. London Festspace. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3878727
The Tourist Experience of Heritage Urban Spaces: Valletta as a Case Study
Ebejer, J., Smith, A., Maitland, R. and Stevenson, N. 2020. The Tourist Experience of Heritage Urban Spaces: Valletta as a Case Study. Tourism Planning & Development. 17 (4), pp. 458-474. https://doi.org/10.1080/21568316.2019.1683886
Citizens’ attitudes towards mega-events: a new framework
Smith, A., Ritchie, B.W. and Chien, P.M. 2019. Citizens’ attitudes towards mega-events: a new framework. Annals of Tourism Research . 74, pp. 208-210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2018.07.006
Justifying and resisting public park commercialisation: The battle for Battersea Park
Smith, A. 2019. Justifying and resisting public park commercialisation: The battle for Battersea Park . European Urban and Regional Studies. 26 (2), pp. 171-185. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969776418767731
The making of a city: How Expo 88 changed Brisbane forever
Smith, A. and Mair, J. 2018. The making of a city: How Expo 88 changed Brisbane forever. in: Expo Cities Urban Change Paris BIE. pp. 88-100
Paying for parks. Ticketed events and the commercialisation of public space
Smith, A. 2018. Paying for parks. Ticketed events and the commercialisation of public space. Leisure Studies. 37 (5), pp. 533-546. https://doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2018.1497077
Beyond image: Imagined experiences of a destination
Cherifi, B., Smith, A., Maitland, R. and Stevenson, N. 2018. Beyond image: Imagined experiences of a destination. International Journal of Tourism Research . 20 (6), pp. 748-755. https://doi.org/10.1002/jtr.2227
Animation or denigration? Using urban public spaces as event venues
Smith, A. 2017. Animation or denigration? Using urban public spaces as event venues . Event Management . 21 (5), pp. 609-619. https://doi.org/10.3727/152599517X15053272359068
Event satisfaction and behavioural intentions: examining the impact of the London 2012 Olympic Games on participation in sport
Smith, A., Brown, G. and Assaker, G. 2017. Event satisfaction and behavioural intentions: examining the impact of the London 2012 Olympic Games on participation in sport. European Sport Management Quarterly. 17 (3), pp. 331-348. https://doi.org/10.1080/16184742.2017.1294193
Olympic Experiences: The Significance of Place
Smith, A., Brown, G. and Assaker, G. 2017. Olympic Experiences: The Significance of Place . Event Management. 21 (3), pp. 281-299. https://doi.org/10.3727/152599517X14942648527518
Urban Regeneration
Smith, A. 2016. Urban Regeneration . in: Olympic Cities Abingdon Routledge. pp. 217-228
The Co-Creation of Urban Tourism Experiences
Pappalepore, I. and Smith, A. 2016. The Co-Creation of Urban Tourism Experiences. in: Russo, A.P. and Richards, G. (ed.) Reinventing the Local in Tourism Bristol Channel View Publications. pp. 87-100
Revisiting the host city: an empirical examination of sport involvement, place attachment, event satisfaction and spectator intentions at the London Olympics
Brown, G., Smith, A. and Assaker, G. 2016. Revisiting the host city: an empirical examination of sport involvement, place attachment, event satisfaction and spectator intentions at the London Olympics. Tourism Management . 55, pp. 160-172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2016.02.010
Events in the City: Using Public Spaces as Event Venues
Smith, A. 2016. Events in the City: Using Public Spaces as Event Venues. Abingdon Routledge.
Olympic brandscapes: London 2012 and the seeping commercialisation of public space
Osborn, G. and Smith, A. 2015. Olympic brandscapes: London 2012 and the seeping commercialisation of public space. in: Poynter, G., Viehoff, V. and Li, Y. (ed.) The London Olympics and urban development: the mega-event city London Routledge. pp. 139-153
Exploring attitudes to edgy urban destinations: the case of Deptford, London
Smith, A. and Pappalepore, I. 2015. Exploring attitudes to edgy urban destinations: the case of Deptford, London. Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change. 13 (2), pp. 97-114. https://doi.org/10.1080/14766825.2014.896371
Leveraging Sport Mega-Events: New Model or Convenient Justification?
Smith, A. 2014. Leveraging Sport Mega-Events: New Model or Convenient Justification? Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events. 6 (1-3), pp. 15-30. https://doi.org/10.1080/19407963.2013.823976
From green park to theme park? Evolving legacy visions for London's Olympic Park
Smith, A. 2014. From green park to theme park? Evolving legacy visions for London's Olympic Park. Architectural Research Quarterly . 18 (14), pp. 315-323. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1359135515000056
Destination images of non-visitors
Cherifi, B., Smith, A., Maitland, R. and Stevenson, N. 2014. Destination images of non-visitors. Annals of Tourism Research . 49, pp. 190-192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2014.09.008
‘Borrowing’ public space to stage major events: The Greenwich Park controversy
Smith, A. 2014. ‘Borrowing’ public space to stage major events: The Greenwich Park controversy. Urban Studies. 51 (2), pp. 247-263. https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098013489746
Prosuming creative urban areas. Evidence from East London
Pappalepore, I., Maitland, R. and Smith, A. 2014. Prosuming creative urban areas. Evidence from East London. Annals of Tourism Research. 44, pp. 227-240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2013.11.001
“De-risking” East London: olympic regeneration planning 2000–2012
Smith, A. 2013. “De-risking” East London: olympic regeneration planning 2000–2012. European Planning Studies. OnlineFirst. https://doi.org/10.1080/09654313.2013.812065
Events and urban regeneration: the strategic use of events to revitalise cities
Smith, A. 2012. Events and urban regeneration: the strategic use of events to revitalise cities. London Routledge.
The 2012 games: the regeneration legacy
Smith, A., Stevenson, N. and Edmundson, T. 2011. The 2012 games: the regeneration legacy. RICS.
Oslo’s new Opera House: cultural flagship, regeneration tool or destination icon?
Smith, A. and von Krogh Strand, I. 2011. Oslo’s new Opera House: cultural flagship, regeneration tool or destination icon? European Urban and Regional Studies. 18 (1), pp. 93-110. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969776410382595
The role of national identity and tourism in city planning: the case of Valletta
Smith, A. 2010. The role of national identity and tourism in city planning: the case of Valletta. Urban Research & Practice. 3 (1), pp. 63-84. https://doi.org/10.1080/17535060903534206
The relationship between major events, the urban fabric and social sustainability
Smith, A. 2010. The relationship between major events, the urban fabric and social sustainability. in: Manzi, T., Lucas, K., Lloyd-Jones, T. and Allen, J. (ed.) Social sustainability in urban areas: communities, connectivity, and the urban fabric London Earthscan.
The relationship between capital city monumentality and tourism in Valletta
Smith, A. 2010. The relationship between capital city monumentality and tourism in Valletta. in: Maitland, R. and Richie, B. (ed.) City tourism: national capital perspectives Wallingford CABI. pp. 125-141
The development of "sports-city" zones and their potential value as tourism resources for urban areas
Smith, A. 2010. The development of "sports-city" zones and their potential value as tourism resources for urban areas. European Planning Studies. 18 (3), pp. 385-410. https://doi.org/10.1080/09654310903497702
Exploring urban creativity: visitor experiences of Spitalfields, London
Pappalepore, I., Maitland, R. and Smith, A. 2010. Exploring urban creativity: visitor experiences of Spitalfields, London. Tourism Culture & Communication. 10 (3), pp. 217-230. https://doi.org/10.3727/109830410X12910355180946
Theorising the relationship between major sport events and social sustainability
Smith, A. 2009. Theorising the relationship between major sport events and social sustainability. Journal of Sport and Tourism. 14 (2 & 3), pp. 109-120. https://doi.org/10.1080/14775080902965033
Spreading the positive effects of major events to peripheral areas
Smith, A. 2009. Spreading the positive effects of major events to peripheral areas. Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events. 1 (3), pp. 231-246. https://doi.org/10.1080/19407960903204372
Major events and sustainable regeneration
Smith, A. 2009. Major events and sustainable regeneration. in: Raj, R. and Musgrove, J. (ed.) Event management and sustainability Wallingford CABI. pp. 32-42
Effects of low cost airlines on efforts to develop cultural heritage tourism
Smith, A. 2009. Effects of low cost airlines on efforts to develop cultural heritage tourism. Anatolia. 20 (2), pp. 289-306.
Tourism and the aesthetics of the built environment
Maitland, R. and Smith, A. 2009. Tourism and the aesthetics of the built environment. in: Tribe, J. (ed.) Philosophical issues in tourism Bristol Channel View Publications.
A review of tourism policy for the 2012 Olympics
Smith, A. and Stevenson, N. 2009. A review of tourism policy for the 2012 Olympics. Cultural Trends. 18 (1), pp. 97-102. https://doi.org/10.1080/09548960802651377
Using major events to promote peripheral urban areas: Deptford and the 2007 Tour de France
Smith, A. 2008. Using major events to promote peripheral urban areas: Deptford and the 2007 Tour de France. in: Ali-Knight, J., Robertson, M., Fyall, A. and Ladkin, A. (ed.) International perspectives of festivals and events: paradigms of analysis Elsevier. pp. 3-19
From 'event-led' to 'event-themed' regeneration: the 2002 Commonwealth Games Legacy Programme
Smith, A. and Fox, T. 2007. From 'event-led' to 'event-themed' regeneration: the 2002 Commonwealth Games Legacy Programme. Urban Studies. 44 (5-6), pp. 1125-1143. https://doi.org/10.1080/00420980701256039
Monumentality in 'capital' cities and its implications for tourism marketing: the case of Barcelona
Smith, A. 2007. Monumentality in 'capital' cities and its implications for tourism marketing: the case of Barcelona. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing. 22 (3-4), pp. 79-93. https://doi.org/10.1300/J073v22n03_07
Large-scale events and sustainable urban regeneration: key principles for host cities
Smith, A. 2007. Large-scale events and sustainable urban regeneration: key principles for host cities. Journal of Urban Regeneration and Renewal. 1 (2), pp. 178-190.
Assessing the contribution of flagship projects to city image change: a quasi-experimental technique
Smith, A. 2006. Assessing the contribution of flagship projects to city image change: a quasi-experimental technique. International Journal of Tourism Research. 8 (6), pp. 391-404. https://doi.org/10.1002/jtr.586
Tourists' consumption and interpretation of sport event imagery
Smith, A. 2006. Tourists' consumption and interpretation of sport event imagery. Journal of Sport Tourism. 11 (1), pp. 77-100. https://doi.org/10.1080/14775080600985382
The development of sports-city zones: an assessment of their potential value as tourism resources for urban areas
Smith, A. 2006. The development of sports-city zones: an assessment of their potential value as tourism resources for urban areas. Noos Institute Illes Balears Forum, Pre-Conference Academic Seminar. Mallorca, Spain 21 Nov 2006
After the circus leaves town: the relationship between sport events, tourism and urban regeneration
Smith, A. 2006. After the circus leaves town: the relationship between sport events, tourism and urban regeneration. in: Smith, M.K. (ed.) Tourism, culture and regeneration Wallingford. UK CABI Publishing. pp. 85-100
Conceptualizing city image change: the 're-imaging' of Barcelona
Smith, A. 2005. Conceptualizing city image change: the 're-imaging' of Barcelona. Tourism Geographies. 7 (4), pp. 398-423. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616680500291188
Reimaging the city: the value of sport initiatives
Smith, A. 2005. Reimaging the city: the value of sport initiatives. Annals of Tourism Research. 32 (1), pp. 217-236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2004.07.007
The impact of sports events on city images
Smith, A. 2004. The impact of sports events on city images. 3rd DeHaan Tourism Management Conference. Nottingham, UK 14th Dec 2004
Barcelona
Smith, A. 2004. Barcelona. in: Barcelona and Catalonia: a fieldwork guide Sheffield, UK Sheffield Hallam University. pp. 29-66
An introduction to Catalonia
Smith, A. 2004. An introduction to Catalonia. in: Barcelona and Catalonia: a fieldwork guide Sheffield, UK Sheffield Hallam University. pp. 17-28
Sporting a new image? Sport-based regeneration strategies as a means of enhancing the image of the city tourist destination
Smith, A. 2001. Sporting a new image? Sport-based regeneration strategies as a means of enhancing the image of the city tourist destination. in: Gratton, C. and Henry, I. (ed.) Sport in the city: the role of sport in economic and social regeneration London, UK Routledge. pp. 127-148
Permalink - https://westminsterresearch.westminster.ac.uk/item/v01w1/sustaining-municipal-parks-in-an-era-of-neoliberal-austerity-the-contested-commercialisation-of-gunnersbury-park