Croyde
Geography: Edexcel A Level, topic 5.4.3
Croyde - Rural Regeneration
Croyde is a small village on the northern coast of Devon. It has nearby sandy beaches and old buildings, including thatched cottages, which provide it with an old-world charm. The traditional main employer, agriculture, is declining.
Sport-led regeneration
- Croyde has become a centre for surfing, with some local businesses promoting the activity and welcoming visitors.
Culture-led regeneration
- During June, Croyde hosts the ‘Gold Coast Oceanfest’. This festival is a celebration of surfing and music.
- There is also a 'Deckchair Cinema' outside for people to watch films and other forms of entertainment.
Tourism-led regeneration
- Local farmers have converted buildings into B&B accommodation and turned fields into campsites and caravan parks to cater to the tourists visiting Croyde to surf and for festivals.
Urban strategy of regeneration
- De-industrialised cities often try to use their old buildings to make 'cool' offices.
- Croyde needs to maintain its rustic image, its hip-ness for the people who want to go surfing there, and yet not over-commercialise – a challenging balancing act.
Seasonal employment
- Lots of the jobs that are created in Croyde are seasonal, with most jobs only at peak surfing season or during festivals.
Croyde - Stakeholder Views
Different stakeholders in Croyde are likely to have different views of the development.
Employment
- Although the creation of jobs is good, any jobs dependent on surfing, the weather or festivals are likely to be seasonal.
Local residents and businesses
- Local residents may choose to live in Croyde because it is quiet. Events like the Gold Coast Oceanfest may drive away local residents.
- But some local residents may make higher profits because tourists support their businesses.
Local council
- The local council has supported developments by granting planning permission for campsites, new B&Bs and allowing festivals to go ahead.
Test yourself on Croyde
Which declining sector used to be the main employer in Croyde?
Why might some of Croyde's regeneration be less successful than other programmes?