North Manchester regeneration could culturally displace older residents

A University of Manchester study warns that the £6 billion regeneration programme planned for North Manchester may cause cultural displacement for older residents. Researchers found that many seniors have a strong sense of belonging to neighbourhoods such as Cheetham Hill and Crumpsall and fear rising housing costs, loss of community spaces and gentrification as new housing and infrastructure are built.

The study, led by Dr Niamh Kavanagh and Dr Camilla Lewis, stresses the need to invest in social infrastructure – community centres, faith spaces, local shops and voluntary organisations – and to involve older people in planning decisions. It calls for developers to direct funding toward existing community groups and to design regeneration collaboratively with older residents to preserve the everyday connections that support health and wellbeing.