Press Releases

October 09 2007

Len Grant chronicles six years of change for Manchester's newest community

Award-winning Manchester photographer and writer, Len Grant, has launched the second book in his series documenting the development of New Islington, Manchester's Millennium Community in east Manchester. Following the success of the first book published in 2004, Cardroom Voices, its successor entitled From the Ground Up: New Islington 2001-2007, chronicles the last six years from residents poring over Will Alsop's master plan in the local pub to the first people moving into their stylish new homes in Islington Square and Guest Street developed by the site's social landlord MMHA.

Len Grant has followed every aspect of this unique development, capturing the physical progress on site as well as relating stories of aspiration, frustration and achievement. Interviews and comments from architects, local residents, engineers and contractors add to the imagery and bring the story to life.

Author, Len Grant, commenting on the book said: "This is without doubt the most exciting regeneration project being undertaken in Manchester and certainly the most significant for east Manchester. The important thing about regeneration is that everyone wants the end result but sometimes the process is a difficult and stressful one. I am keen to document that process as well as the end result. I was fortunate that the client commissioned me from day one and gave me free reign to follow progress as an independent observer. This allowed me to document the rough with the smooth, and, as we all know things don't go smoothly all the time. This makes the story very real and very accurate, giving it historical credibility for the future. I'm now eager to follow the final process to completion and see the plans become reality."

Nick Johnson, deputy chief executive, Urban Splash, said: "Len really captures the emotion of what we and our partners are doing at New Islington and the book is a fantastic reflection, warts and all, of the journey the local residents have been on so far."

Tom Russell, Chief Executive of New East Manchester said: "This book is an important record of 21st century sustainable regeneration. We commissioned Len Grant as a documentor rather than just a photographer and made sure he was involved with the project from the very start. His commitment and passion combined with his unique talent to relate the experiences of local people has enabled him to really get under the skin of the project. He cleverly captures what we're trying to achieve in this part of east Manchester."

Matthew Harrison, deputy chief executive of Great Places Housing Group which includes MMHA, said: "New Islington is all about the people who live there, and the thoughts and feelings of straight-talking residents are central to the story so far. Local people have lived through huge changes over the past few years, designing their own homes, moving and settling in. Now they're seeing their neighbourhood continue to take shape, as one of Manchester's greatest places to live."

David Chilton, English Partnerships' Area Director, said: "Regeneration is about more than building houses; it's about creating communities and Len's latest book is a historical and social record that captures the many processes involved in making a new community - from the planning and creation of the buildings themselves to the views of the people who are the backbone of that community."

Published by Len Grant Photography and distributed by Cornerhouse Publications, the book priced at £13.00 is available from all good bookshops including the Cornerhouse in Manchester and on-line at www.cornerhouse.org/books.

New Islington, Manchester's Millennium Community, is one of national regeneration agency English Partnerships' seven Millennium Communities. New Islington is a partnership between English Partnerships, Urban Splash and New East Manchester Ltd together with appointed social landlord, Manchester Methodist Housing Association. The 29 acre site, just east of Manchester city centre is being radically transformed to a strategic and ambitious vision created by Will Alsop. A new canal and water park, over 1700 new homes, office space, a school, a health clinic, shops, bars and restaurants are planned to be created, using the world's best architecture.

For all latest news and information visit www.newislington.co.uk. For other publications by Len Grant visit www.lengrant.co.uk.