In an era marked by rapid urbanisation, shifting demographics, and evolving socio-cultural urban spaces, gentrification has emerged as a process of transforming neighbourhoods. It is a complex and multifaceted urban phenomenon characterised by the influx of higher-income residents, more educated people, and investment or new green development in residential areas. Gentrification often begins with authorities and stakeholders renovating or constructing new, higher-priced housing in previously underinvested or working-class neighbourhoods where social housing was provided. As more affluent residents move in and more amenities arise, property values tend to increase and landlords might raise rents which can lead to rising rent and home prices. Unfortunately, this can make it less affordable for existing residents to continue living there.
Gentrification is a topic of much controversy, particularly when it comes to the displacement of lower-income or long-term residents. Amid a worsening cost of living crisis, some people and families may be forced to relocate to more affordable areas. This can cause social and economic disruption, worsen inequality, and erase cultural and historical aspects of a community.
Karina Corada and Joe Sánchez participated in the first international conference on gentrification studies in over two decades! The event, titled ‘Gentrification and Displacement, What Can We Do?’, organised by Loretta Lees and Japonica Brown-Saracino at Boston University between the 26th and 28th of October 2023, brought together researchers, activists, and community organisations to address one of the most pressing urban challenges of our time – gentrification and displacement (Figure 1).
Gentrification remains a persistent challenge, particularly for marginalised communities in urban areas. Residents continue to face rapidly rising commercial and residential costs, direct and indirect displacement, racial/ethnic cleansing, socio-cultural exclusion, and discrimination.
Gentrification can take different forms, including green/climate/environmental gentrification. In some cases, introducing or re-opening green and blue spaces, like wetlands, to a neighbourhood may facilitate and be accompanied by stakeholders demolishing social housing, increasing property values and rental prices and result in the displacement of lower-income residents. A study led by Joe Sanchez and Dr Karina Corada has investigated this phenomenon at wetlands areas in North East London, and contributed to the ‘Climate Gentrification’ panel chaired by Isabelle Anguelovski and discussant Alessandro Busà (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Joe Sanchez presented our work “Have redesigned wetland areas contributed to green-blue gentrification? A study of two wetlands in North East London and UK Census data (2001 – 2021)”
While green spaces offer multiple benefits (ecosystem services) like temperature regulation and flood control, it is essential to consider the potential displacement of residents who may not be able to afford the increasing prices that come with living near green areas. If not explicitly evicted from nearby, then understanding both advantages and disadvantages of the changes for existing residents and the results of effective community organising is necessary for optimising future strategies. Futhermore, evaluating potential blue-green gentrification impacts on neighbourhoods before implementing such spaces is crucial to ensure multiple environmental and social benefits can be delivered without causing displacement.
Participants delved into a dialogue about the problem of (green) gentrification and explored potential solutions (Figure 3). While the path to a secure solution remains a work in progress, the conversations during the event emphasised the importance of shaping urban development in a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive manner for all citizens discussing the benefits of decommodified housing and closer work between housing and environmental policy. Creating cities that benefit everyone involves understanding the complex nature of gentrification. A comprehensive perspective acknowledges that its effects are diverse and influenced by a range of factors, such as local housing and environmental policies, economic conditions, and community involvement. In essence, gentrification is not a uniform phenomenon but a dynamic force that shapes urban landscapes differently in each context. Policymakers, in particular, should promote equitable development and social housing or affordable options for all residents.This shift in focus means transcending the mere prioritisation of new investments and/or blue-green initiatives in favour of a comprehensive strategy that safeguards the interests of the existing population.
One of the key takeaways from the conference was the need to adopt a holistic approach to gentrification, one that takes into account the socio-economic dimensions of urban development. The impact of blue-green initiatives, although well-intentioned, must be evaluated through the lens of social and economic justice. To ensure that green development benefits all residents, we must consider how these “green” projects affect the existing communities. If you want to know more about the conference, check here.
Our work does not end with this conference, in fact, it is just the beginning. We are preparing to publish our findings on blue-green gentrification in London. We invite you to join us in exploring this important topic and its potential for positive change on a neighbourhood and global scale. If you are interested in this research development, please do not hesitate to contact us at Karina Corada’s email address, kcorada@uel.ac.uk, or through Joe Sanchez j.sanchez@uel.ac.uk; or Twitter @Joe_Snch
By Karina Corada Perez & Joe Sanchez
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