East Manchester’s NDC publishes final evaluation

An independent evaluation of east Manchester’s New Deal for Communities Beacons for a Brighter Future programme shows that it was successful in meeting objectives and substantially improving the area.

The east Manchester NDC initiative formed part of the Government's £2bn New Deal for Communities Programme which was launched in 1998 with the core aim of reducing the gap between 39 of the UK's most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of the country through a 10 year community-led regeneration programme.

Commissioned by New East Manchester (NEM), the evaluation report, which was undertaken by specialist economic development and regeneration consultancy ekosgen, examined how the area had changed as a result of the 10 year NDC programme. It involved consulting with 150 residents and 25 stakeholders including Greater Manchester Police, North Manchester Primary Care Trust and Eastlands Homes.

Key finding highlighted in the report include:

• More than 2,800 housing association properties have been improved, leading to significant reductions in vacancy and turnover rates.
• More and improved open spaces and community facilities including centres such as the Roundhouse, The Grange and Sporting Edge.
• Crime levels have reduced with burglary rates down by 40 per cent.
• Unemployment rates have decreased with residents claiming out of work benefits dropping by 25 per cent.
• Educational attainment has improved with the number of young people gaining 5 A*-C GCSE passes doubling.

The evaluation also found that the programme's efforts helped develop community spirit, ownership and involvement.  New residents groups were created and encouraged to contribute to the programme's development. This strong emphasis on community empowerment has been widely recognised nationally as an example of good practice in community-led regeneration.

In 1999 only 25 per cent of residents felt closely involved in the local community, by 2008 53 per cent agreed they felt part of it. In the same year 40 per cent had plans to move from their present home, which dropped to 24 per cent by 2008. In 1999 only 19 per cent of residents felt the area was getting better which increased to almost half by 2008. In addition only 11 per cent of residents felt the area was getting safer in 1999 and this had increased to over a third in 2008. 

Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester said: "We asked for an open and honest assessment so we can use the results to shape how we take forward the regeneration of the area in the future, and we're pleased with the outcome of this report. Our holistic approach to regeneration in this part of the city has clearly delivered the transformation we desired. We've found that 67 per cent of residents are now satisfied with the area and want to remain here which speaks volumes. From the outset we adopted an integrated partnership approach to tackle multiple deprivation and it's great that this has been recognised nationally as an example of good practice in community-led regeneration.  All this would have been possible without the commitment and enthusiasm of the NDC team, residents and local councillors.  As part of NEM's role we will continue to narrow further the socio-economic disparities which still persist." 

Councillor Jim Battle, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said: "We're pleased with the findings of the report.  The Beacons Programme has made an essential and lasting contribution to improving the east Manchester area. The combined effect of the changes means we have reversed a downward spiral and made the area more sustainable, bringing enormous benefits to local people now and in the future.  We recognise there is still a great deal that needs to be done but the work undertaken over the past decade has given us solid foundations which we must now build on."

The Beacons initiative formally merged with urban regeneration company New East Manchester in November 2007 and a succession strategy to continue this work is being taken forward. 

For more details about New East Manchester or to download a copy of the full report visit www.neweastmanchester.com/research/beacons/