Dundee 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 2,900 people living in Dundee city centre and Major regeneration projects such as the Waterfront Initiative will add many more people in the years ahead. Our early findings show that:

• Dundee's city-centre population is very young, with 60% aged 15-24.
• 80% of city-centre residents are single, and most are students.
• Those in work tend to have relatively low-paid sales and service jobs. Only 20% of city-centre residents in work are professionals.
• Dundee's key challenges include developing a larger city centre population, and attracting more professionals and families.

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

Cllr Jill Shimi, Chair of the Dundee Partnership, said:

“We're delighted to participate in this research into city living. Dundee's city centre has been transformed in recent years and we're looking forward to having the views of people who have made it their home. We're also glad to see Dundee acknowledged as a major city alongside Liverpool and Manchester. This shows the remarkable progress we're making here.”

The Centre for Cities is working closely with Dundee City Council and Dundee Partnership to map Dundee's city-centre residents. Other key stakeholders include Scottish Enterprise Tayside, Communities Scotland Tayside, Geddes Centre / Dundee University and Dundee Contemporary Arts.

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?

A map of the city-centre area covered by this report is available from Max Nathan.

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.