Informality, Urban Elites, and Real Estate Development: An examination of London and Dar es Salaam.

The underlying objective of this research project is to provide insight into the relationship between elite actors and their engagement with informal spaces and practices. This is explored within the context of urban development processes and draws on the globally distinct cases studies of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and London, UK. Within these cities the conceptualisation and construction of ambitious real estate developments has been investigated. This has enabled insight to be gained into the ability of elite actors to influence and engage with processes of urban development. Consequently, this has provided the opportunity to observe the influential role of elite informality on the shaping of urban spaces, that incorporate a variety of elite stakeholders. The conceptualisation of elite informality has not been extensively explored; this research project therefore seeks to contribute to knowledge within this area. Moreover, an important aspect of this study has been to consider the concept of elite informality through drawing of case studies that are situated in the Global North and Global South. Therefore, this has assisted in developing a more in depth understanding of this concept that is multifaced and has cross-cultural relevance. The aspects of elite informality explored build on and contribute to past research relating to urban planning, elite actors, informality, and dynamics of power.