Last year, 2024, was a whole year of celebration for S4B, the consortium behind the 25-year regeneration programme of the Brunswick neighbourhood who marked a major ten-year milestone.
To mark this momentous occasion and to thank customers, partners and colleagues for their support, involvement and commitment during the past ten years, S4B embarked on a series of events and activities to celebrate this significant accomplishment.
On the 10-year anniversary in January 2024, the festivities were kick started with birthday cupcakes which we shared customers, colleagues and partners. We also launched our ten-year film, not only to mark the 10th anniversary but also to mark the end of the completion of major development work in Brunswick. Ongoing work will now be planned and cyclical works, plus repairs and maintenance for the remainder of the programme.
The celebrations continued with the introduction of the monthly customer photography competition with the winning entries now being made into a 2025 calendar. We also introduced our community fund where local people could apply for money to help support a celebration or activity of their choice and customers were keen to get involved.
In April, we were proud to commission artist Dave Draws to install his own unique take on the area in Brunswick Village reception for both residents and visitors to enjoy. His unique style and an eye for detail has been very much a talking point and we were very pleased when he agreed to doodle for us. His inimitable style can be seen and easily identifiable across the North West and across the world. From Marks and Spencer’s to Manchester Arndale to stationery and coasters at a friend’s house, his style is truly unique and easily spotted and we are so happy to have some of his work proudly displayed here in Brunswick for time to come.
We also helped our very valued and one of our longest-standing residents Mrs Mason celebrate her very own major milestone, her 100th birthday! We were very proud to present her with a gift of a rosebush named after her and we sang her birthday wished while she blew out her candles. A very special moment. Mrs Mason then jetted off to the sun to celebrate with family and friends in Benidorm.
May saw the S4B corporate event held at Brunswick Village, where we brought together key members of the S4B consortium who had mainly worked at a more financial level, but had never really seen the true, raw and positive impact their work has had for residents. It was a real eye opener with some very (happy) teary moments along the way. It was a true reflection of how far we have come as a team of customers and partners alike.
In June our very own resident and chair of the local Brunswick Tenants and Residents Association (BTARA) Nazmina Begum, known locally as Naz, was invited to represent Brunswick and as a voice of women in housing at the annual national 2024 Housing Conference in Manchester. She took to the stage with senior officials in housing, all from very different backgrounds from across the UK to chat and share their experiences of social housing and their thoughts, ideas and aspirations for the coming years. With the support of S4B, BTARA has gone from strength to strength, and are now a key channel of support for the customers of Brunswick.
Moving on through the summer with various fun events, including our very first Brunswick’s Got Young Talent working with Manchester Young Community Champions along with other community events, such as the Family Fun Day organised by BTARA.
September brought us the new signage installed at various points around the area complete with numbered trail map to guide you round to see the various landmarks with information of what existed there before. Trail maps are available from the S4B housing office for anyone living in or visiting the area and would like to take themselves on a tour of the neighbourhood.
In October we held a Customer Film Launch and Showcase event. Customers were the stars of the show and the film involved residents and people from the Brunswick community, who shared their own personal experiences of living or working in Brunswick. The event displayed lots of information on the transformation of the area and we had some meet and greet stalls with key groups and members of the community.
As 2024 drew to a close there were even more community events, such as the Halloween Witch Coin Hunt in Gartside Gartside Gardens, the tree light switch on event and the Christmas tree installation at Brunswick Village kindly arranged by MEARS.
Now all entries are in for the monthly photo competition for 2024, we have been able to produce the calendar for 2025 containing all of the winning customer photos. Look out for it landing in your email inbox with details of how you can request a hard copy.
We have many more great things planned for 2025 including the completion and unveiling of our super exciting artwork project, once again involving residents and utilising their artistic talents and creativity along with a special surprise guest! There will also be another film to summarise the successes and results of the past decade. All will be revealed very shortly. As always customers will be at the heart of everything we do and we will keep you informed along the way.
For more information please get in touch. Send a WhatsApp message to 07500 065 270, email info@s4bmanchester.co.uk, visit the S4B housing office, or give us a call on 0300 555 0128.