Research from the University of Manchester has found that large-scale regeneration schemes risk creating a sense of ‘cultural displacement’ among older residents unless existing communities are involved in shaping the neighbourhoods where they live.
The researchers say regeneration must do more than build new homes and infrastructure, with investment also needed in the community centres, faith spaces, local shops and other places where existing residents form relationships and find support.
The new study examined the feelings of older residents in North Manchester, where a series of regeneration projects worth billions of pounds are set to transform the area over the coming decades. The research found that many older resident shave a strong connection to their local area, and had no desire to move as they grow older. Amongst these residents, some felt that regeneration could lead to gentrification, rising housing costs and the loss of familiar community spaces, leaving existing residents excluded from the benefits of investment and creating divisions between communities.
The researchers found a consistent desire to “age in place”, and remain living in the communities they have built their lives as they grow older. Despite this, many older residents felt excluded from discussions about the future of their neighbourhoods, and expressed concerns about gentrification, questioning whether new homes and amenities would actually benefit existing communities.
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Vital social infrastructure such as community spaces, local shops and faith settings help older people to maintain social connections and access informal support, and without the preservation of these spaces many older residents feared losing the foundation of their social networks within the community. The researchers warn that regeneration should protect and strengthen existing communities, with investment directed towards community organisations as well as new buildings and infrastructure.
“Regeneration could potentially bring enormous benefits to communities, but it is vital that we don’t lose sight of the people who already live in these places,” said Dr Camilla Lewis from The University of Manchester’s Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group. “Older people have deep connections to their neighbourhoods and have built up knowledge, relationships and networks over many years. These are valuable assets for regeneration, not obstacles to it.”
“If we want to create places where people can live well as they grow older, then older residents need to be involved in shaping the future of their communities from the outset.”
“Regeneration needs to start by understanding what is already valuable about a place – its people, its relationships, its cultural diversity and the spaces where communities come together,” said Dr Niamh Kavanagh from The University of Manchester. “Our research shows that these everyday connections matter enormously to older people. They can provide a sense of belonging and continuity at a time when neighbourhoods are undergoing profound change.”
“The challenge is to make sure that regeneration strengthens these connections rather than unintentionally disrupting them.”
The researchers say the lessons from North Manchester are relevant to the wider UK as cities and towns respond simultaneously to an ageing population, housing pressures and major programmes of urban development.
The study was carried out over 12 months and involved 41 interviews with older residents, community organisations and regeneration stakeholders, two focus groups and four creative co-production projects involving more than 50 older people. The research focused primarily on Cheetham Hill and Crumpsall, while also considering the wider North Manchester area. The full report can be found here.
