It’s been ten years since work started on the transformation of Brunswick in Manchester. This city centre neighbourhood has seen over 500 new homes built and 650 refurbishments completed in and around new public realm and community facilities.
Buttress with S4B started by talking to the community about what they wanted their neighbourhood to be; and now we are back to find out what the experience of living in Brunswick is like for its residents.
Our first story comes from Rob Burgess who lives in the Brunswick Village’s extra care housing.
“My name is Rob, or Robert Rex Burgess is the full one my mother would want me to use. I am now 72, and I currently live here in Brunswick village, where I've been really since it first opened. My life before was horrific. I was ill, ended up in hospital for a month having some major surgery, and when I got released from hospital, it was impossible for me to get around the house. Just by chance, I saw this place, and they offered me a two bedroom flat.
I've got the most beautiful view, a lovely balcony, and lovely people around me. I feel like I've won the lottery. When I signed the tenancy the lady said something I'll never forget, “This is your home for life.” I thought, that sounds lovely.
When I signed the tenancy the lady said something I'll never forget, “This is your home for life.” I thought, that sounds lovely.
My parents were very traditional, so I was seen as the black sheep of the family, always getting myself into trouble. There was a big world out there and I wanted to have a taste. I went down to Southampton joined a queue like a post office queue, and I signed on and joined the merchant navy.
I sailed the seven seas for 20 odd years, ending up on cruise liners. I was on Canberra when that was around. Yeah, I visited seven times major ports of the world. When I retired, it wasn't easy to start with, coming back and not living that life. It's like when you get withdrawal symptoms, but I don't regret anything.
Quite recently, I decided that Manchester was would be the place I want to retire to I prefer the northern culture.
I've always done art art, I was a mature student at Manchester University doing graphic design. Here we do projects with the Manchester Museum. One of my future projects is to organise a calendar where we have 12 residents and the photographs they've taken in a calendar, sold to make money for Age UK.