Call for older people鈥檚 voices to be heard in major urban regeneration of North 91直播
A range of regeneration projects are underway in North 91直播, with over 拢6bn to be spent over the next 15-20 years. As the area starts to be transformed, researchers from the University of Manchester鈥檚 Urban Ageing Research Group have been working with older residents and community groups across North 91直播 to understand their thoughts and experiences of regeneration.
The 鈥楢geing, inequality and urban regeneration: Collaborative research with older people living in North 91直播鈥� report is being launched at a community celebration in Cheetham Hill next week. Findings from the research highlight the importance of major regeneration projects, like those in North 91直播, being designed in collaboration with the area鈥檚 older population.
Dr Camilla Lewis, Senior Lecturer in Architectural Studies, who co-led the research explains:
鈥淥ur research with older people in North 91直播 revealed consistent themes: residents we spoke to have a strong sense of community and belonging. They want to remain living in their neighbourhood as they age.
鈥淲hilst some people we spoke to were positive about the ambitious plans for North 91直播, others were concerned about whether existing residents will benefit and whether regeneration will be planned with the needs of an ageing and ethnically diverse population in mind.
鈥淲hen planning the urban regeneration of North 91直播, policy makers have a unique opportunity to deliver pioneering approaches, with inclusive age-friendly approaches at their heart. We hope they will take guidance from this report on how they can work with the existing community to create inclusive neighbourhoods.
鈥淲hilst this report focuses on North 91直播, it will have relevance for anyone wanting to plan more inclusive regeneration. There鈥檚 currently a national spotlight on 鈥�91直播ism鈥� and the ways in which Greater 91直播 has made development work. However, there are well-established concerns both locally and beyond that the type of redevelopment taking place will only benefit certain communities, excluding residents from lower-income or ethnically minoritised backgrounds.鈥�
As well as sharing first-person perspectives from over 40 older residents and a variety of community organisations, Ageing, inequality and urban regeneration has six overarching aims for policy makers to ensure the urban regeneration is inclusive for all ages and communities. The report will be shared widely with local and national decision-makers.
Read the full Ageing, inequality and urban regeneration: Collaborative research with older people living in North 91直播 report and the executive summary .