A buoyant, creative economy can be seen as the saviour of many cities, but behind such 'urban makeovers' lie serious problems such as widening inequalities, job precarity, gentrification and environmental issues. In light of the pandemic and climate crisis, how well are city economies, based largely on culture, nightlife and tourism, meeting basic societal needs? Blending lively case studies of alternative cultural practices and spaces with broader theoretical debates, this book explores the opportunities for a more just and sustainable urban future.

Robert G. Hollands is Emeritus Professor of Sociology in the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology at Newcastle University.