Regeneration could leave older residents behind, study warns

A £6bn regeneration programme in North Manchester risks leaving older residents feeling isolated from the communities they have built over decades. 

A study by the University of Manchester found many older people living in the area want to stay put, but some fear redevelopment could lead to rising housing costs, gentrification and the loss of vital community spaces. 

Currently, North Manchester is undergoing one of the biggest regeneration schemes in the country. Six billion pounds has been invested to revamp North Manchester General Hospital, create a new mental health facility and build the Victoria North housing development. 

Victoria North is expected to deliver up to 15,000 new homes over the next 15 to 20 years. The area has also been selected as one of the government’s New Towns Initiative sites.

The report noted that while new investment could bring benefits, changes to buildings and infrastructure may overlook the community networks that some older people rely on, including local shops, community centres and faith spaces. 

Dr Camilla Lewis from The University of Manchester said: ‘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.’

‘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,’ she added. ‘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.’

The study also found community spaces help bring people together from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. 

Dr Niamh Kavanagh from The University of Manchester said: ‘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.

‘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 full report can be read here.

Photo: Christopher Furlong/Manchester City Council 

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