Last week, the Brunswick community came together to mark a decade of transformation in the neighbourhood, with the launch of a major art project.
Throughout 2024, S4B, the consortium behind the 25-year Brunswick regeneration project, embarked on a series of celebrations to mark ten years of change in the neighbourhood. The regeneration programme has seen the building of new homes for sale and a rent, a new housing office, extra care scheme for the over 55’s, new roads and infrastructure, along with green spaces and play areas to name a few.
The 10th anniversary celebrations were drawn to a close with an artwork project, which includes a Manchester Bee chainsaw carving by Karl of Elegant Chainsaw Carvings, a Doodle art installation by Dave Draws, residents’ photography displays, and a special new addition an oriental Dragon bench again carved by Karl using a chainsaw, all of which were revealed at a special event.
S4B board member and Chief Executive of Onward Homes, Bronwen Rapley said:
“What has struck me both through these celebrations and over the last ten years is the strength of partnership and pride here in Brunswick. The regeneration of the neighbourhood has been such a success because it has been delivered in collaboration with the community and the event was a chance to celebrate the work of everyone involved in the journey.
“On behalf of the S4B Board I would like to thank our partners, customers and colleagues who have got us here and of course the artists who have captured so brilliantly the essence of Brunswick”.
S4B Neighbourhood & PFI Contract Manager, Ross Hemmings, adds:
“Regeneration of the Brunswick neighbourhood has seen transformative change, with investment in existing properties and development of new homes. Now the major development work is complete, we have been able to focus on some cosmetic additions involving the community to improve the neighbourhood even more – a real collective effort.
This art project delivers just that. From the Bee carving which stands proudly in Gartside Gardens, to the Doodle art installation on Brunswick Village by Dave Draws, plus the resident art installation in Brunswick Village and now this beautiful unique Dragon bench carving, we’re sure you will be as impressed with it as we are.
“A huge thank you to all who came along today to mark this special occasion”.
Finally, Karl Makosa artist and owner of Elegant Chainsaw Carvings said:
“I feel so honoured to have been asked to return to Brunswick and be part of this exciting project. I originally carved the Bee in 2015 from a design by one of the pupils from the local school. The oriental Dragon bench came from the ideas of local people.
“It is so good to revisit and see my work is standing the test of time and I hope this artwork continues to be enjoyed by the community and its visitors for many more years to come”
In attendance were, S4B board member and chief executive of Onward Homes, Bronwen Rapley, Cllr Tina Hewitson, chainsaw artist Karl Makosa, representatives from Manchester City Council (MCC), colleagues from S4B along with residents of Brunswick.
Thank you to everyone who took time out of their day to join us and make this an extra special occasion. A real great mix of people who have been involved throughout the PFI project. And not forgetting, thanks to Brunswick Village Bistro for providing delicious tea and cake to round things off at the end of our tour.
View the gallery of photographs from the day here.
Look out for our Art Project Film coming soon!