After the Event: Perceptions of Change and Issues of Perceived Fairness in Dalmarnock, Glasgow: Report of a Qualitative Study With Residents in the Host Community, Two Years After the Commonwealth Games

This report considers the views of residents living in the pre-existing community of Dalmarnock, in close proximity to the main sports arena and residential development created for the Games. The research involved in-depth, qualitative interviews with 20 householders, both long-term and more recent residents in the area. The report shows positive views of the physical improvements in the area and a welcoming of the new infrastructure in the area both for attracting people to visit Dalmarnock and for improving its image.

On the other hand, there were feelings of grievance about the lack of acknowledgement of the disruption local people had endured for the Games, and of injustice concerning the lack of improvement in housing conditions for some local residents, particularly when compared with the quality of new housing in the area.

The report also highlights some of the remaining challenges to developing an inclusive and cohesive community in Dalmarnock, including: mixed views about the greater social and ethnic diversity in the area; reports of pressure on local services from an expanded population; a lack of use of new amenities by long-term residents; and a continuing absence of key local services such as shops, a primary school and play areas, all of which may assist with the integration of new and existing residents.

Respondents also exhibited a lack of knowledge about future plans and the intended rate of progress for the area, with concerns that the pace of change had slowed since the Games.