Urban regeneration and tenure mix: exploring the dynamics of neighbour interactions

Abstract

This article draws on in-depth research on the nature and intensity of neighbour relations in an area in Peckham, London, which underwent urban regeneration aimed at improving the urban environment and increasing the area’s tenure mix. Drawing on the literature on neighbouring, the article explores residents’ perceptions and attitudes towards their neighbours and the dynamics of their routine interactions. Despite findings pointing towards a general atmosphere of cordiality and solidarity, interactions were casual, coexisted with prejudiced views towards certain groups and areas, and were viewed by residents as part of their everyday social practices of community. As a result, very little else was exchanged between tenures, putting into question some policy assumptions that the increased physical proximity between housing tenures can potentially lead to instrumental interaction that can benefit low-income households in social housing. Reflecting on these findings, the article discusses some implications that have relevance for policy and research.

Keywords:

• Housing tenure
• urban regeneration
• social mix
• neighbours
• social practices

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank the editors and two anonymous referees for their thoughtful and insightful comments. Particular thanks also to Claire Colomb, Mike Raco and Nicola Livingstone for comments on the first draft of this paper and to the support from the Bonnart Trust scholarship.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributors

Tatiana Moreira de Souza is a Research Fellow at Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK.