Unravelling the Impact of Gentrification in London: A Comprehensive Analysis of the 2010s

Gentrification is a process that transforms urban landscapes with wealthier individuals moving into traditionally more working-class neighbourhoods, resulting in increased property prices and shifts in cultural and community dynamics.?

Over the years, this process has led to significant changes in London’s demographics, housing, and community spaces. The report "Pushed to the Margins: A Quantitative Analysis of Gentrification in London in the 2010s" provides a comprehensive analysis of this phenomenon using Consumer Data Research Centre (CDRC) data to analyse gentrification in three boroughs: Southwark, Waltham Forest, and Brent. The study identifies various gentrification types (new-build gentrification, transit-induced gentrification, spillover gentrification), highlighting their impact on vulnerable populations. Working-class, Black, and ethnic minority Londoners are increasingly vulnerable to the resulting effects on urban design, politics, and capital movement. Geographical elements, such as transit hubs, bodies of water, and warehouse spaces, also play a crucial role in reshaping the composition of communities.

The findings highlight that gentrification in London has led to the displacement of long-term residents, the loss of community spaces, and a rapid demographic shift. The gentrifiers, who are often whiter than the communities they replace and displace, the report argues have led to racialised communities feeling marginalised.

The report goes on to argue that beyond individual impacts, the social fabric of the city is also impacted, leading to the fracturing of communities and the loss of local spaces. Economic implications also arise; as property values increase, so does the cost of living, making it increasingly difficult for lower-income individuals to afford to live in these areas, exacerbating the challenge for lower-income residents. Policy interventions are therefore required to ensure that London remains inclusive and affordable for all its residents as it continues to evolve.?

The report proposes five policy recommendations to address these issues, including rent controls, a mandate for social housing in Opportunity Areas, increased construction of social housing, 'right to return' protections, and the incorporation of Social Impact Assessments in development plans. These measures aim to foster inclusivity, mitigate displacement, and ensure London's continued affordability and diversity.

Publication: Almeida, A. (2021). Pushed to the margins: A quantitative analysis of gentrification in London in the 2010s.?London: Runnymede Trust and CLASS. https://trustforlondon.org.uk/research/pushed-to-the-margins-a-quantitative-analysis-of-gentrification-in-london-in-the-2010s/?

CDRC-ULO Data: Residential Mobility Index https://data.cdrc.ac.uk/dataset/cdrc-residential-mobility-index?

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