S4B, the consortium appointed to deliver the redevelopment of Brunswick in Manchester, held two public open days recently to highlight its plans to transform the area and to hear what residents had to say. Nearly 300 people attended the events, with over 100 people completing a feedback questionnaire. The results revealed that more than 70% of people supported the overall plans for the area.
The proposed regeneration plans include the redevelopment of 650 existing council homes and the development of up to 500 new homes, as well as improvements to the local neighbourhood’s layout, open spaces and recreational areas.
Plans for the improvements to the neighbourhood layout and outside spaces proved particularly popular at the events, with 60% saying that they thought the plans for the new green boulevard would make getting around Brunswick better, 78% saying that the upgraded children’s play areas would increase their use of Gartside Gardens. 70% approved of plans for new allotments and an orchard and 75% agreed that Brunswick needed more green areas.
Residents were also very keen on the jobs and apprentices being created, with 57% interested in finding out more. S4B is committed to ensuring over 250 local people work on the project as well as creating 18 new apprenticeships.
Andy Rymer, general manager of S4B, said: “Both events went very well and we’re really grateful to members of the community for coming along. It was a fantastic opportunity for the team to speak to the community directly about the proposed plans for Brunswick, and we are very pleased to see that the results have been so positive.
“The team at S4B is committed to creating a vibrant, new Brunswick and will be keeping the community updated at every stage of development.”
Cllr Jim Battle, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The Brunswick community were understandably eager to see the plans that will transform their neighbourhood and it’s heartening that so many local people attended the open day events. The plans represent an incredibly exciting future for the area and the positive feedback from residents has been very encouraging.”
Following five years of consultation with the community and now that S4B has been appointed, a planning application has been submitted in February and if approved in May, S4B will be starting the works in autumn 2013. S4B will continue to consult and gain feedback from residents in the following months regarding the delivery of services.