Liverpool 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 and other methods, 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 13,500 people living in Liverpool city centre and the city centre population could rise to around 20,000 by 2010. The Centre for Cities' early findings show that:

• Students are the biggest single group, followed by young professionals, frontline service workers, and low-income young people and older couples.
• There are very few families or people over 40, and not many owner-occupiers.
• The city is working to put the necessary public and private services in place, to support the growing city-centre population.
• People come to the city centre for buzz and convenience, but not all plan to stay long.
• City-centre living has the potential to help wider regeneration in the city's Housing Market Renewal areas – especially around Princes Park, Picton and Wavertree.

City People is looking at the size and shape of city-centre living in Liverpool, Manchester 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 Liverpool's residents has helped us find out what's really going on. Our report will help Liverpool plan for the future.”

Mike Storey, Liverpool City Council leader, said:

“I am pleased that Liverpool has been chosen for this piece of useful and valuable work. The city has changed beyond recognition in recent years and regeneration has been aided by the increase in flats and apartments, making it a much more vibrant place to live and work.”

Jim Gill, Chief Executive of Liverpool Vision, said:

“We have seen considerable growth in the City Centre population over the last 10 years. This research will be instructive in understanding the issues and challenges in sustaining a vibrant population. ”

The Centre for Cities is working closely with Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Vision on this project. Other key stakeholders include City Growth Liverpool, New Heartlands Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, KMC Residential and City Residential.

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.