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Is the social mixing agenda fuelling gentrification and social exclusion in the new build developments?

Price, R; (2008) Is the social mixing agenda fuelling gentrification and social exclusion in the new build developments? Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London). Green open access

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Abstract

In a city where land values are high and the market dominates, formulating housing policy is a complex issue. Underlying New Labours housing policy has been the notion that mixed tenure developments will promote social mixing leading to the creation of sustainable communities. The aim of this study was to explore if the social mixing agenda is promoting regeneration or gentrification and social exclusion in new-build developments. New Providence Wharf in the Isle of Dogs was used as the context for data collection. Through the use of participant observation, photography and semi-structured questionnaires the study found evidence to suggest that the site has been gentrified. It is argued that the design and layout of the site has created a manicured aesthetic aimed at high earners, not average families. The high prices commanded by the river views means that the residents are mainly on high incomes from the financial service industry. There are 'cheaper' market dwellings, but prices are still high and with only 22% affordable housing few low income earners are likely to have benefited. Although this study has not produced exact figures for displacement, evidence suggests that house price increases and lack of suitable family housing are causing low income earner to move elsewhere. Instead of fostering social capifotthe presence of the different tenure and housing types has promoted little social interaction between different income groups on and off the site. The evidence points to the presence of both visible and invisible barriers to interaction which are compounded by the transient nature of the population. Notions of social difference were also observed as different social groups dissociated themselves from 'the other'. This was evident not only between income groups but also within the affordable housing tenure group.

Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Title: Is the social mixing agenda fuelling gentrification and social exclusion in the new build developments?
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
Language: English
Additional information: Thesis digitised by ProQuest. Third party copyright material has been removed from the ethesis. Images identifying individuals have been redacted or partially redacted to protect their identity.
UCL classification: UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of the Built Environment > The Bartlett School of Planning
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1569411
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