Manchester city-centre residents are taking part in a major new research project for the Centre for Cities examining the growth of city-centre living. Through a series of focus groups it is asking why people choose to live in the city centre, what they like and dislike about it, and how long they intend to stay there.

There are at least 15,000 people living in Manchester city centre, and the City Council predicts this could soon rise to 20,000. The Centre for Cities' early findings show that:

• Young professionals are the biggest single group, followed by frontline service workers and students.
• Over half the city-centre population is aged 20-34, and 70% are single.
• There are very few families or people over 35, and not many owner-occupiers.
• People come to the city centre for buzz and convenience, but not all plan to stay long.
• City-centre living is now pushing out into East Manchester, especially Ancoats and New Islington.

City People is looking at the size and shape of city-centre living in Manchester, Liverpool and Dundee. The final report will be published in December.

Max Nathan, Centre for Cities, said:

“There's a lot of hype about city-centre living, but we know relatively little about it. Talking to Manchester's residents has helped us find out what's really going on. Our report will help Manchester city centre plan for the future.”

Nick Johnson, Development Director of Urban Splash, said:

“I welcome this research. It will provide us with a detailed understanding of how the centre of Manchester is changing, who's there and why. And by helping us shape our own projects, it will help us drive the city's renaissance further forward.”

The Centre for Cities is working closely with Manchester City Council and the Manchester-Salford Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder to map Manchester's city-centre residents. Other key stakeholders include Manchester City Centre Management Company, New East Manchester Urban Regeneration Company, SURF and Urban Splash.

Notes to Editors:

City People is the Centre's first research project. It is asking three main questions:

• What is the shape of city-centre living in the UK, and what is driving it?
• Who is living in UK city centres? Why are they there, and how long will they stay there?
• What is the social and economic impact of city-centre living? Is there a catalyst effect on the city as a whole?

The Centre for Cities is an independent urban policy research unit, based at ippr – the Institute for Public Policy Research. Launched in March 2005, it is taking a fresh look at how UK cities function. It is funded by Lord Sainsbury of Turville.