The demographic of our estate is quite unusual for inner city council estates. In the 90s during the redevelopment of Hulme, many families moved out into new houses, and the flats became difficult to let. Many ex-squatters who had previously lived in the ‘old Hulme’ before it was demolished were offered flats on our estate. This coincided with an influx of other alternative young people who were interested in environmental, social and community action. A community of active people emerged from this mixture, involving long-term and new residents and ideas about sustainability flourished. At this time, the population was very young, and there were few families or children. A few years on, the population remains relatively young, but many people have settled down and now have young children. A high proportion of residents have drug, alcohol and mental health issues, and a high percentage of residents are unemployed.

Many estate residents have been involved in Environmental Direct Action (campaigning against the destruction of the environment) locally in Hulme and Manchester and beyond, including actions to save some of Hulme’s remaining green spaces. Residents have also been involved in various campaigns: to save a local school; for local allotments; for local workspaces; and against the forced relocation of community organisations.

During a particularly bad spate of muggings, residents took to the streets, organising ‘Reclaim the Night’ marches, and holding all-night vigils to make the streets safe and unappealing for muggers.

Around 10 years ago, residents appropriated a cellar space in one of the blocks, and created a thriving social space. It was primarily used as a cinema, showing free films for children on a Saturday afternoon, and adults in the evening. It was a great way to meet up with neighbours in the most unusual cinema in Manchester. It even had red velvet curtains and vegan ice-cream in the interval! After a year, the council discovered the cinema, and it was closed down due to ‘health and safety’ concerns.

Residents on our estate have long been conscious of the desire to provide low-cost, organic healthy food available locally. Around 12 years ago, we had a Saturday morning ‘Bentley barrow’ vegetable barrow, run voluntarily by local people, providing cheap organic vegetables. We’ve also trialled a couple of bulk-buy schemes; there is still an informal food co-op which buys collectively from a whole-food distributor.

The estate has seen many communal street parties, pantomimes, and parades over the years, including an Anti-Jubilee party, our 60th anniversary celebrations two years ago, and the most recent 10th birthday party for Leaf St community garden. In previous years, residents have organised and performed pantomimes or Christmas plays. We still hold the increasingly popular Halloween parade for children every year.

Greenzone Background

#toc, .toc, .mw-warning { border: 1px solid rgb(170, 170, 170); background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249); padding: 5px; font-size: 95%; }#toc h2, .toc h2 { display: inline; border: medium none; padding: 0pt; font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold; }#toc #toctitle, .toc #toctitle, #toc .toctitle, .toc .toctitle { text-align: center; }#toc ul, .toc ul { list-style-type: none; list-style-image: none; margin-left: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt; text-align: left; }#toc ul ul, .toc ul ul { margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 2em; }#toc .toctoggle, .toc .toctoggle { font-size: 94%; }body { font-family: ‘Times New Roman’; }table { }td { border-collapse: collapse; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; }