Research

12/03/13 The Redevelopment of Hulme
On this day I attended a talk by Michael Coates which discussed the redevelopment of Hulme.

Terraced houses 19th Century - 1960s: It was explained to us how the area was originally crowded with small terraced houses which were built in the 1800s. Although there was a strong sense of community the houses were in poor condition; there was no heating, a shared outdoor toilet, limited plumbing etc and so in the 1960s the residents were relocated and a redevelopment plan was enforced. 

Crescents 1960s - 1990s: In the 60s most of Hulme was demolished and replaced with four enormous crescent shaped blocks of flats. These didn't work for various reasons. Design flaws meant that the flats were too expensive to heat and they became cold, damp and riddled with cockroaches and other vermin. The long, high walkways were unsafe for children and tiring for people to climb. Eventually the people who could afford to move did, leaving the people with less money behind. This is when anti social behaviour soared. Subcultures were attracted by the 'untraditional living' and the crescents became notorious for their parties, drug taking and crime. At one point, the City Council lost control of the properties in the the crescents and were reduced to handing out keys to anyone who would take them. This resulted in a "black market" of flats between squatters. The residents would knock down walls in to the neighbouring flat to expand their own without any consequences. Eventually it was decided that Hulme should be redeveloped again and in 1993 the crescents were demolished.


Homes for Change 1990s - Present: Once the crescents were gone, a mixture of houses, apartments and bungalows were built. The variety of buildings meant that the different needs of the people in Hulme were catered for. Families were once again moving back in to Hulme and crime rate dropped. 'Homes for Change Ltd' created a block of flats that was designed around peoples needs. The new residents were involved with the design and so they respected their new home a lot more. They each had their own flat (a size which was specific to them), their own out door space (balcony) and a courtyard in the middle which created a natural surveillance.