Gentrification is a process through which lower income residents are displaced from the neighbourhood due to an influx of new residents, resulting in a change of character of the neighbourhood. Therefore, gentrification has two key features: displacement, both physical and symbolic and change in social and urban character.

From an intercultural perspective, focus lies on the key principles of equality, diversity advantage, and interaction. In the intercultural city this is reflected through policies aiming to create equal access to all to the neighbourhoods by offering for example affordable housing. Diversity is strengthened through policies for social mixing and supporting the cultural, economic and social fabric of neighbourhoods by promoting a pluralistic and inclusive identity. This also underlines positive interactions, aiming to create positive neighbourhoods with spaces to interact and live in.

The ICC study on gentrification focuses on six main areas (+ Policy brief / Spanish version):

• Policy and Regulation
• Diverse Housing
• Stakeholder Partnership
• Inclusive Public Space
• Nurturing Local Business
• Holistic Community

Photo: Ivana D'Alessandro