Gentrification has been cast as both hero and villain in the attempt to salvage the social and physical structure of many cities. This conference offers the opportunity for extensive debate and consideration of many of the issues surrounding the gentrification of cities.

Confirmed speakers for the event are Tim Butler, Chris Hamnett, Loretta Lees, David Ley and Neil Smith who will provide comments and insights during two plenary sessions.

The process of gentrification, where previously working class and poorer neighbourhoods are transformed into middle class areas, has received a resurgence of interest from policy-makers, practitioners and academics.

Changes in the social characteristics of neighbourhoods in larger metropolitan areas have increasingly been matched or emulated by areas in smaller cities which have been appropriated by young, often professional and affluent households.

The anticipated British urban renaissance envisaged by Lord Rogers, with its vision of urban pioneers helping to revitalise urban neighbourhood conditions, has been viewed by some as a gentrifiers' manifesto. One key question for the conference to consider is whether gentrification is inevitable, desirable or destructive in its alteration of local areas and wider city contexts.

This small but international gathering will explore the connections between the theoretical and empirical issues in many different neighbourhoods, cities and countries. Can lessons be learned from these different contexts and help in developing theories about city life and gentrification?

Glasgow, recognised for its caf￩ culture and high class retailing, has experienced a physical rebirth which recently culminated in proposals to revitalise the city's waterfront through the creation of an extensive mixed-use development.

However, the image of Glasgow as something of a playground for the young and affluent stands in sharp relief against its reputation for ill-health, high premature death rates and high levels of social exclusion on peripheral council estates.

Gentrification in the inner urban area has been relatively restrained but is gaining momentum with the importing of the loft apartment concept to an increasing number of Glasgow's waterfront and inner urban areas.

Other plans, such as a new motorway, the re-siting of BBC Scotland's headquarters and the creation of five new neighbourhoods, and the declaration of a new financial district all suggest a re-setting of the social geography of the city and highlight the potential for gentrification.

Further information on the conference programme, speakers and venue can be found at: Gentrification Conference or Dr Rowland Atkinson on 0141 330 3502/5048. Alternatively, please contact the Press Office on 0141 330 3535.

First published: 24 September 2002