Fear towers will plunge estate into darkness

RESIDENTS SAY PLANS FOR STUDENT HOUSING COULD UNDO REGENERATION

-  JOSEPH TIMAN

CAROLINE was six years old moved into her brand new house on the Brunswick estate with her parents. Now aged 56, the Arkley Street resident remembers the neighborhood being 'full of children' playing at Gartside Gardens which was 'safe' back then.

Originally built in the 1960s, the Brunswick estate was in need of 'transformative regeneration! Around 10 years ago, a consortium of four specialist organizations were commissioned by Manchester council to carry out a 25-year project that aimed to do just that.

Since its launch in 2014, the S4B consortium has refurbished more than 650 council homes on the estate, built 500 new properties for sale and rent, along with a 60-apartment purpose-built extra care scheme for the over-55s and a new housing and office development with 18 apartments and new shops, and the four 'iconic' highrise blocks have been upgraded too.

Most of the refurbished homes have had new efficient heating systems, double glazing and insulation fitted while the tower blocks have been 'completely overhauled! Caroline was opposed to the regeneration plans originally. But now, she appreciates the upgrades which have benefited her directly.

"It's still a little bit fractured, but since the regeneration, it's going back to what it was in those days.