Perceptions research in Leeds

Bringing cities and communities together

When Leeds City Council identified areas where residents were believed to have become disconnected from the city, the challenge for planners was clear: to establish whether this disconnection actually existed and, if so, what could be done about it.

The Renaissance Leeds Partnership Perceptions Survey

This research has given Leeds City Council a fresh opportunity to renew its dialogue with residents who feel isolated from city centre life

Qa proposed a mixed methodology approach to the project. Qualitative focus groups with a mix of residents based on sex, age, working status and ethnicity would guide the follow up quantitative research and depth telephone interviews.

The objectives of the research included:

• establishing what motivates or inhibits visits to the city centre
• identifying barriers to employment, transportation and personal aspirations
• evaluating safety issues and fear of crime
• comparing levels of interaction with city centre services vs. local services
• understanding the extent and nature of interaction between the local area and the city

Face-to-face interviewing began shortly after the 12 focus groups were completed and assessed. This phase of the project set out to quantify the exploratory qualitative findings and provide statistically robust data. As with the qualitative phase, the research was conducted in two specific areas: Chapeltown and Little London. The project ended with a series of depth telephone interviews with residents and stakeholders.

Bridging the gap between local and city areas

Disconnection usually occurs when communication breaks down. This research has given Leeds City Council a fresh opportunity to renew its dialogue with residents who feel isolated from city centre life.

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