Ugo Chira

• BSc (Hons) Economics
• The socio-economic effects of gentrification by studentification in UK cities: the case of Newcastle upon Tyne and Durham

I am exploring the gentrification that occurs in major student cities. With 1 in every 15 homes in Newcastle being a student property and Durham University seeing an increase of 7,000 students in 15 years, I want to focus on the way cities with a large student population are being changed as a result of an increased influx of students. I will gather data on how the composition of buildings and local shops have changed and look at what problems this brings, also using interviews. I also want to shed light on the impact new housing accommodation has on city centre areas, especially those previously occupied by lower income residents living in council estates. I will link these phenomena to other ways gentrification affects areas to draw a conclusion on how cities are being transformed and made more or less attractive for families, elderly, young professionals and other types of residents.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Project supervisor: Dr Sara Maioli