Manchester Urban Institute unites academic staff from across the University with stakeholders at local, national and global levels who have a shared interest in urban environments. In 2023, the Institute received funding from Manchester University’s Humanities Strategic Investment Fund. Part of this grant is being used to investigate ways that some of the innovative research methods used by academics at Manchester Urban Institute can be used to address issues defined by businesses, communities, and public sector organisations in Greater Manchester.

In November 2023, grants worth £25,000 were awarded to projects bringing together Manchester Urban Institute academics with community partners from across our region. Teams comprising local policy makers, business, grassroots organisations, and Manchester Urban Institute researchers collaborated at an Innovation Lab, a Dragon’s Den-style event devised by the University’s Business Engagement team. The teams co-created pilot projects that could be scaled up to bring significant external research funding to Greater Manchester neighbourhoods in the future.

At the end of the day, teams presented initiatives designed to benefit local communities to a judging panel responsible for awarding grants to the winners. Four project teams were successful in their bids and have now started work in Wigan, Stockport, Moss Side, and Hulme.

All four projects use creative methodologies to engage with residents.

• In Wigan, researchers are working with Transport for Greater Manchester, Transport for the North, Wigan District Council and Hindley residents to understand and improve disadvantaged groups’ access to the Bee Network.
• In Stockport, the team is working with the local council to investigate the new Mersey Riverside Walkway’s potential for creating community connections and enhancing residents’ wellbeing.
• The project in Hulme, designed in collaboration with Manchester City Council and property developer, FEC is training community researchers to look at the impact of urban regeneration in the area.
• Through research developed with community organisation, Living Streets, representatives from Manchester City and Salford Councils, and consultants, Buro Happold and Amey, Moss Side residents will be supported to define the kinds of community projects they feel would bring real benefits to their neighbourhood.

Working with local partners and communities to create better, more sustainable cities for everyone is central to Manchester Urban Institute’s mission. Karen Lucas, Co-Director of the Institute, who is leading the project in Wigan said, “I am delighted to be involved with this initiative, which takes Manchester Urban Institute expertise into the hearts of local communities. We are looking forward to working with our partners to develop meaningful actions that can make a real difference to all residents.”