Portrait of Hulme
From the collection of
A-Z of Hulme
- Hulme
- 1990
Portrait of Hulme
But is it a change for the better? The ongoing development of Hulme.
Hulme in Manchester is an area which has seen constant change and redevelopment in the last few decades. The 1960s clearance of old slum housing brought about the introduction of the 'streets in the sky', deck-access flats where it was hoped that the community atmosphere of the demolished terraces would flourish once more. This did not happen, and by the 1980s, the Crescents of Hulme had become notorious and a stark warning of what can happen when urban redevelopment goes wrong. In this short documentary, local people voice their concern about the changes they see happening in their area in the 21st century. These include the building of student accommodation and private housing, and the effect this will have on the local community. There are scenes from a Hulme Community Consultation Day at the Zion Centre, with residents critical of the council's approach, and shots of the new Hulme taking shape.
In Hulme in Manchester, local people voice their concern about the changes they see happening in their area, and the effect these will have on the community. There are scenes from a Hulme Community Consultation Day at the Zion Centre, with residents critical of the council's approach, and shots of the new Hulme taking shape.
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Hulme: Decline and Rebirth... But Always Community
Hulme has seen more than its fair share of challenges and changes over the years, but the area has always put community at its heart.
Hulme, in inner-city Manchester, was filled with rows of terraced houses built following the Industrial Revolution. But by the end of WWII, the housing that had survived was deemed unfit and demolished.
In the late 1960s, Hulme's time for redevelopment had come, and at its heart were 'The Crescents' - four u-shaped blocks of flats, each seven storeys high. Opened in 1972, they offered a range of different accommodation, looked out onto communal gardens, and were linked by high-access decks - 'streets in the sky'.
However, rushed construction, poor quality materials and serious design flaws meant that The Crescents were soon plagued by problems. Just three years after opening, 96.3% of residents wished to be rehoused, and by 1984 the Council decided to stop charging rents completely, attracting new residents from the fringes of society.
In 1991, The Crescents' time was up and all four were gone by 1995. The area has been redeveloped once more (in consultation with residents), returning to more traditional-style mixed housing and the creation of a new park in the centre of the community.
This collection gives a glimpse into life in Hulme during this time, showcasing the communities and the people who lived there.
9 videos in this collection
1
A-Z of Hulme
2
A Video Alphabet - Hulme A-Z
3
Deck Access Disaster - the Hulme Conference Report
4
Portrait of Hulme
5
Hulme - Community is Strength
6
The Last Days of Hulme
7
Zion Arts Centre
8
The Nia Centre - Arts with a Purpose
9