[Commuting Hell Liberation Diary]⑮ ‘Urban Regeneration Blossomed Through Culture and Arts’... London Whitechapel Sheds Slum Label

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Taemin] On October 6th (local time), upon arriving at Whitechapel Station in East London via the Crossrail Elizabeth Line, it was easy to spot men wearing fez (a brimless hat traditionally worn by Muslim men) and women donning hijabs. Although London is home to diverse ethnicities, Whitechapel is particularly known as an area densely populated by immigrants.

On October 6 (local time), the streets around Whitechapel Station in London, UK. Men wearing fez (a brimless hat worn on the head in traditional Muslim attire) and women wearing hijabs are walking through the streets. (Photo by Ryu Taemin)

The streets were filled with shops selling traditional Muslim clothing and foods, and a large Islamic mosque was prominently located nearby. Even the subway station signs were written side by side in English and Arabic, creating the illusion of being in a Muslim country.

A view of the Islamic mosque located in the heart of Whitechapel, London (Photo by Ryu Taemin)

Located north of London’s financial district known as the ‘City,’ Whitechapel was considered a typical slum and a high-crime area until the 19th century. It is also famously known as the site where the serial killer ‘Jack the Ripper’ murdered prostitutes in 1888. Later, a large influx of immigrants from Bangladesh, Turkey, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries settled here, reinforcing its reputation as a slum. This contrasts sharply with the nearby ‘Bank’ area, just 10 minutes away, which is filled with tall buildings and serves as the heart of London’s financial sector.

Although the neighborhood still has many narrow alleys, unlike in the past, art galleries and cafes have been established, and it has recently emerged as a cultural hub. The key space illuminating this area is the Whitechapel Gallery. Built in 1901 as part of a government-led urban regeneration project, the gallery has played a pivotal role in fostering positive gentrification. It has provided education and workshops for low-income groups such as immigrants and former criminals, and has run various community engagement programs. As a result, numerous young local artists have emerged, leading to regular free exhibitions of their works, which have become a distinctive part of the local culture.

Philin Wagner, an archivist working at the Whitechapel Gallery, said, “Since the establishment of the Whitechapel Gallery, famous artists like David Hockney and Gilbert & George have emerged here, and it has been reborn as a center of art and culture. Various programs supporting low-income groups have also been created, helping to narrow various social disparities.”

Graffiti is painted on the exterior walls along the streets of the Brick Lane area. (Photo by Ryu Taemin)

Youth were also showcasing their art on the streets. Walking along the nearby Brick Lane area that day, graffiti could be easily found on many exterior walls. Much like Hongdae in Korea, artists have gathered here, turning it into a hot spot. A local merchant said, “Graffiti here is accepted more as a form of art rather than illegal activity, so there is little enforcement against it. Some companies even use graffiti for promotional purposes.”

Meanwhile, concerns about gentrification are growing as the Crossrail Elizabeth Line passes through Whitechapel. With improved transportation infrastructure, many construction companies are pushing for redevelopment, and rising tourism demand is driving up rents and lease prices in the area. A baker running a famous bakery in the neighborhood said, “Since I started my business here, rent has nearly doubled. More and more merchants are leaving because they cannot afford the high rents.”

Proximity to the ‘Bank’ area, known as London’s financial center, is also seen as a risk factor. Robin Hickman, a professor of urban planning at University College London, said, “Since the Bank area, where land prices are the highest in London, is right next door, redevelopment will inevitably cause housing prices to rise significantly. If affordable rental housing is not provided, existing low-income residents will be pushed further to the outskirts.”

※This project was supported by the Press Promotion Fund, funded by government advertising fees.