Identifying skills needs for improving the engagement of young communities in the Housing Market Renewal process: A case study of neighbourhood facilities in Blackburn, England

Abstract

This paper investigates the skills necessary for attaining a full level of community engagement in the Housing Market Renewal (HMR) process. It explores: the roles of key stakeholders and their levels of involvement in the community engagement process; the barriers to attaining a full level of community engagement; and the stakeholders’ expectations from the engagement process, which led to the skills requirement for improving community engagement. The paper applies qualitative research with case study design of Bank Top play area in Blackburn. Rigorous data collection and analysis using NVivo computer-aided qualitative data analysis software was employed. Findings from the case study identified the skills required to attain a full level of community engagement in the HMR process aimed at consulting young people and showed some engagement, but this did not really empower the community. Even though the HMR programme has ended, lessons can still be drawn from it. This paper generates new knowledge about the skills required for engagement in the HMR process.