A new mural designed with input from local people has been installed at our Coalbrook Court development in Beswick, helping to brighten the view for households living next to the Grey Mare Lane regeneration project while work continues on site.
Great Places and construction partner Caddick Construction worked with neighbours and Manchester-based artist Yasaman Mollasalehi to create the artwork along the site boundary, close to homes on Jenkyn Walk.
The mural replaces standard site hoarding with a brighter and more welcoming design. It was shaped through conversations with people living next to the site, who wanted something that would feel calmer and more positive to look at day to day. The final design uses lighter colours and simple visuals to help soften the impact of the works and create a more comfortable environment for those nearby.
Coalbrook Court is the first phase of the wider Grey Mare Lane regeneration programme, which will deliver around 1,000 new homes, along with green spaces and better community facilities in East Manchester.
Our scheme will provide 82 affordable homes, all for social rent, and is the first development to come forward as part of the masterplan. It has been designed to create high-quality homes while making sure the people who already live here feel supported while construction is under way. The development will deliver a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments for social rent.
The mural is one part of a wider programme of community activity linked to the development. The team has focused on practical ways to support local people and make a positive difference while work is ongoing. So far, this has included volunteering in the local area, supporting people into work, running sessions in schools and colleges, and creating apprenticeship opportunities for those interested in construction. The team has also donated more than £5,000 to local charities and organisations.
Alongside this, the project team has worked closely with local partners, schools and colleges to offer careers advice, mock interviews and support for people looking to take their first steps into the construction industry. They have also taken part in community volunteering, including improvements to Phillips Park in Beswick, and provided materials and support to local community groups.
The development is being delivered in line with the Considerate Constructors Scheme, with a strong focus on working respectfully in the area, keeping people informed and reducing disruption as much as possible.
Paul McCormick, Senior Project Manager at Caddick Construction, said:
“When working in a residential area the community is always front of mind, making sure disruption is kept to a minimum. With the site being so close to existing homes, we wanted to do something that would make a visible difference for the people living next to it.
“We looked at how we could improve the boundary of the site and make it more aesthetically pleasing for residents living closest to the development. By listening to our neighbours and working with Yasaman Mollasalehi on a design supported by all, we have been able to create something which makes the area feel brighter and more welcoming while work continues.”
Nick Gornall, our Director of Growth, added:
“Regeneration should make a positive difference for the people who already live here, as well as those who will move in later.
“This mural shows what that looks like in practice. We listened to people, understood what would help, and made a change that improves the space for the community while work is taking place.”
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said:
“Grey Mare Lane is a transformational regeneration programme for this community – and we know how needed these first 82 social rent homes are for local people. While construction is well underway, it’s things like this mural that help take the community along with us on this journey of investment, help them feel part of the project and inject some colour into their streets while we invest in their area.”
Dave Saville, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction North West, said:
“The collaboration between our team, neighbours and local artist, Yasaman, has resulted in the creation of a calming and more attractive view for the neighbourhood throughout this project. By incorporating their feedback into the final design, we have successfully developed a feature that has significantly enhanced the appearance of our standard hoardings that border the development.
“The mural adds to our ongoing social value work in the East Manchester community, which has so far seen our team donate over £5,000 to local causes, spend 50 hours volunteering and 40 hours supporting local people into work.”
Coalbrook Court is being delivered in partnership with Manchester City Council, One Manchester and This City as part of a long-term plan to create a greener, better connected neighbourhood around Grey Mare Lane.
Alongside new homes, the wider programme will improve the local environment, strengthen community connections and make sure the benefits of regeneration are shared by both existing and future customers.
