Exploring neighbourhood change

The neighbourhood change project set out to explore people’s experiences of change in Glasgow, to complement the array of data currently collected on the measurable aspects of neighbourhood change in the city, focusing on Drumchapel, Easterhouse, Anderston & Finnieston, and Bridgeton & Dalmarnock.

Five aspects of neighbourhood change were identified that appear to be important in shaping quality of life, health and wellbeing. These were:

• the quality of the built environment, particularly housing
• the pace and scale of change, in that a gradual, gentle change was felt to be more beneficial
• suitable and sufficient new housing for community maintenance and growth
• financial support, venues and expertise for community-based activities
• resident control over the neighbourhood, in what amenities are provided, how they are run and who can access them.

These findings have implications for the ways in which we design, plan and carry out neighbourhood change, as well as the impacts we might expect from the process of change and how we might monitor them. Certainly, greater resident involvement in the decision-making processes that underpin neighbourhood change will be required, particularly if neighbourhood improvements are to benefit those most in need of support.