The Manchester neighbourhood which could soon be plunged into 'total darkness'

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

"Even though they had signs that said no ball games, we couldn't read so we did it anyway," she jokes. "We all grew up together. Everybody knew everybody. It was a proper community."

Some families who moved onto the estate soon after it was built are still living there. But like many parts of Manchester, this neighbourhood under the Mancunian Way has witnessed many changes over the six decades since it was established.

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Originally built in the 1960s, the Brunswick estate was in need of 'transformative regeneration'. Around 10 years ago, a consortium of four specialist organisations were commissioned by Manchester council to carry out a 25-year project which 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' high-rise 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.

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