MSAp Engagement diary IB

Page 1

Levenshulme Baths Journal [November 2010 - May 2012]



Bachelor of Architecture I Year 6 I msap: Sharing the City I Ian Burnett



PROJECT OVERVIEW

Introduction

It has been over eighteen months since I pinned six boards to a vacant shop along Stockport Road in Levenshulme. Ever since that one community event in 2010, I have been working intensively in the same southern ward of Manchester. In that time have met and worked with many people who, over numerous meetings and events, I have grown to know well. Everyone that I have met up to this point has taught me a little something about the place where they live, every piece of local knowledge and experience shared has had a resultant impact on my project work. I first discovered the baths when wandering around the streets of Levenshulme on my first visit. I unassumingly took a photograph, enlarged it to A1 and decided that I would let people scribble their thoughts across it. Little did I know that almost a year later I would be working with the building in far more detail. In retrospect, the process of designing a new swimming facility for Levenshulme has been a fluid one. My fifth year event introduced me to a local radio station, which introduced me to Lydia Meryll, who in turn introduced me to The Community Association. Special thanks must go to Lydia, who has been fundamental to this entire project as the Community Association meetings have formed the backbone of the 6th year work. These meetings have offered a platform from which I could present and try out my ideas to an engaging and wellinformed audience. In doing so, the experience has connected me to a whole array of people, all of whom possess different skills which have enhanced the project. This book touches on my fifth year work but mainly focussing on the sixth year project, documenting the people I have met and how they have influenced the design process of a new Levenshulme Baths.



NOVEMBER

15

2010

Monday

My work in Levenshulme began on the 18th November 2010, when I organised an event along Stockport Road in an attempt to engage with the local community.

16

Tuesday

2010

NOVEMBER

es)

ntacts n textil rking i o w r e n esig Jones (D

New Co Emily

Made:

Friday

19

Saturday

20

Sunday

21

rker le with Paul Ba ng peop i p l e h y locall (Works ssues) health i l a t n e m ay annaw e Claire G enshulm v e L h t r e no er of th (Memb roup) nity G Commu

Members of the public were asked to express what they would like to change in the ward whilst being triggered by large images of areas of local significance - positive or negative. The images on the boards ranged from Stockport Road itself, to The Arcadia Sports centre and Levenshulme Baths.

17

Wednesday

Levenshulme Baths was represented on one of the boards. It is important to note that this event took place before the proposed closure by the Council.

18

Thursday

Key moments that influenced the project: • Gained an better understanding of the topical issues in Levenshulme

5TH YEAR ENGAGING LEVENSHULME EVENT ‘LEVENSHULME - WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?’

• Managed to meet some of the local people and gain some new contacts who are active within the area

- at Stockport Road, Levenshulme - with the people of Levenshulme

5TH YEAR

• Learnt about ALLFM - a local radio station which is located in Levenshulme near the train station


JANUARY 2011

17

2011

Monday

JANUARY Friday

21

JANUARY SALE - SHARING THE CITY EVENT

The responses to the event were largely

‘DISCUSSING COMMUNITY RADIO INSPIRED PROJECTS’

positive, and it really gave an insight

- at the Trafford Centre

into what we should be doing as

- with Manchester School of Architecture Projects

architects. It should be about breaking down barriers between the designer and the user.

18

Tuesday

19

Wednesday

Saturday

22

Sunday

23

The event allowed people to openly express what they

After hearing about the local radio station (ALLFM) at

thought of urban design in the communities in

the event held on Stockport Road, I visited on several

which they lived. People were keen to talk about their

occasions and looked to pursue a project that investigated

personal experiences with architecture and the affect

the power of community radio and how it could integrate

that it had on them and their day to day activities.

different groups of people in Levenshulme. Msap held an event in January where students could discuss their projects with the larger public.

20

Thursday

The event was held in a vacant shop in the Trafford

Key moments that influenced the project: • It really gave an insight into the way you can interact with the public and make architecture accessible

Centre. Once participants were encouraged into the shop by students on the door, this event was really successful. Aided by a wide range of people of different ages and

• Although not many people I spoke to were directly involved in radio, many expressed an interest in getting more

involved in this form of media as well as other community events

ethnic backgrounds it was possible to obtain some personal views on the places in which people lived and the opinions they had on designing their neighbourhoods.

5TH YEAR

• I was able to watch, listen and learn from the 6th years at the time and begin to think about projects that I might want to pursue in my final year


FEBRUARY

7

2 0 11

2011

FEBRUARY

Monday

Friday Following the event at the Trafford

11

Centre, there was a stir in the

PROTEST MARCH

community in Levenshulme whilst I was

- from Stockport Road

working with ALLFM. Manchester City

- to Levenshulme Baths

Council had proposed the closure of the

- by the Local people of Levenshulme

local swimming baths - one of the most used and treasured facilities in the ward.

8

Tuesday

Saturday

12

Sunday

13

On 9th February, following the announcement of the proposed closure, over 150 people gathered outside the baths in a spontaneous protest which received national media coverage.

Friends of Levenshulme Baths Blog Feed

9

Wednesday

Facebook Group

The baths are the only leisure facility of its kind in the area and has a large catchment of users from surrounding wards

PROTEST AGAINST THE CLOSURE OF THE BATHS - at the Levenshulme Baths

The council received 106 comments about the future of the baths. Of these, more than a fifth referred to the

- by the Local people of Levenshulme

health benefits of having the pools and gym facilities in the neighbourhood. Another 7 per cent pointed out that money had been spent only last year on upgrading some of the building, while 5 per cent noted the lack of other nearby facilities and 5 per cent said the baths were a key focus for family and children.

10

Thursday

A community email list, Facebook group and online petition were quickly organised. On the Friday of that

Key moments that influenced the project: • Although I was involved in working with ALLFM at this point it was hard to ignore the impact that this potential closure of a public amenity had in Levenshulme

week, a meeting – attended by over 200 people – was held to plan action to save the baths. A protest the following day took place, where over 500 people marched along the

• It showed what extents the local people of Levenshulme were prepared to go to preserve and maintain their communities and what was important to them

high street to the baths. • Revealed what a wide user group used and appreciated the local swimming baths

5TH YEAR (RESEARCH PRESENTED FROM 6TH YEAR)


2012

M A R C H 2 0 11

28

2011 MARCH

Monday

Friday

4

On 25th June, Levenshulme Swimming Pools will celebrate its 80th birthday Residents also used the party to celebrate the building’s future after a successful campaign to save it when it was threatened by council cuts.

1

Tuesday

1931 Following the public demonstrations, a scrutiny and

SCRUTINY AND GOVERNANCE MEETING

governance meeting took place on the 1st March, resulting in a

- at the Manchester Town Hall

decision made to save Levenshulme Baths by the City Council.

- by the Manchester City Council

This was met with a degree of surprise and a great deal of relief and happiness felt throughout the community. It gave

Newspaper documenting the potential closure and

confidence that community action can work even in the

saving of Levenshulme Baths

seemingly most difficult of economic situations.

2

Wednesday

Saturday 5 “The Baths are really special to us all, I swa m here as a child as did my Dad and my Grandad tau ght himself to swim here at the g rand age of 60!” Co uncillor James Henn

igan of Levenshulm

e Ward - Liberal De

“The party w as great – it g ot people talkin g about their area and how lucky we are to have these services.” Beth

mocrat Party

Sunday

6

Marshall, An ti-cuts camp years in exist aigner on th ance e Baths re

aching 80

3

Thursday

Key moments that influenced the project: • By succeeding in saving Levenshulme baths it proved how powerful a collective community can be

• Although the baths had been saved it was clear that, if they were to justify their being spared by The Council, they would need some renovation and upgrading

• The saving of the baths got me thinking about potential sixth year projects - The facility is clearly used and treasured by the local community who are willing to engage to ensure its future purpose and use

5TH YEAR (RESEARCH PRESENTED FROM 6TH YEAR)


Twitter mention

MARCH 2011

7

Monday

2011

MARCH Friday

11

Saturday

12

Despite the events involving Levenshulme Baths, I was committed to working with ALLFM. I wanted to feature on an ALL FM radio programme in order to further understand how radio broadcasting work first hand and how it interacts with its audience. I also thought it would be beneficial to promote the work that my peers and I were doing in Levenshulme and help generate some more interest in the projects we are pursuing.

8

Tuesday

cts Made: New Conta FM) ger of ALL a n a (M t Dave Mura l DJ)

asai (Loca

Dionne Gb

yll Lydia Mer munity shulme Com en ev L e th of (Secretary

Facebook mentions

)

Association

9

Wednesday

Sunday

13

Although it was difficult to obtain any direct response from the listening audience, I still feel that I gained some useful feedback. It was fantastic to discuss the work which msap were doing in Levenshulme with people who shared our approach to design such as Dionne and Lydia. It was also really exciting to talk about current issues in Levenshulme with people who clearly felt very strongly about making positive changes to the area.

10

Thursday

Key moments that influenced the project: • A better understanding of how community radio broadcasting works and the power of social media

ALLFM EVENT ‘DISCUSSING INCLUSIVE DESIGN AND URBAN DESIGN’ - at ALLFM Studios, Levenshulme

• I was able to understand my own project better and reinforce the views that I hold on architectural design with community engagement as a key emphasis

- with Dionne Gbasai and Lydia Meryll • Meeting Lydia Meryll - a useful contact who is very active within the community. Through her I discovered the Levenshulme Community Association and have attended the meetings every 3 months

5TH YEAR


AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

29

2011

Nowember 2010 Event

2011

SEPTEMBER

Monday

Friday

2

I kept in contact with Lydia Meryll ever since we

On the 4th June 2011, I presented to the Community Association

PREPARATION MEETING AT 11AM

appeared on the radio together. Through her, I have

Meeting held at the local library [below], which is located opposite

- at the POD Cafe, Levenshulme

been attending Levenshulme Community Associa-

Levesnhulme Baths. I presented six boards which were written and

- with Lydia Meryll

tion meetings since the spring. The varied group

drawn on by member of the public during an event held back in

includes around twenty five members from differ-

November 2010. I also revealed what participants had expressed

I met Lydia after the summer to prepare a presentation of

ent backgrounds, such as local politicians, plan-

about the area and the links I had found between age, gender,

my 5th year work to the Community Association

ners and local residents. Meetings are organised

ethnicity and social standing in the community.

every three months to discuss issues affecting the

30

ward.

Tuesday

Saturday

My personal position is slightly unique as I do not live

3

in Levenshulme. However, my involvement provides any of Levenshulme’s issues with a platform within

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MEETING AT 2PM

Manchester city centre. I am also able to look at any

- at the Library, Levenshulme

problems objectively offering possible architectural

- with The Community Association

solutions. In return I have been able to pitch ideas and receive valuable feedback from residents which has

Lydia Meryll

greatly enriched my project work.

31

Wednesday

New

1

Davi

Sunday

Cont

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Thursday tram ( Malc

John Nick Jonat

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(Arc

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Hors

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Hun

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ter (M

Rich

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Key moments that influenced the project:

Party resid

l resi

anch

cand

idate

ent)

)

• It was beneficial to discuss my findings with The Community Association and seek ways to improve the area together

dent

)

City

DP /

• It was a great experience to present to a group of people outside of the school and gave me the confidence to

Coun

Loca

cil)

l resi

dent

conduct similar presentations in the future

)

• It enabled me to express to the Community Association who I, and the studio unit, were and the stand point that we hold on architectural practice. From this I could forge relationships and contacts.

6TH YEAR

4


SEPTEMBER

12

2011

2011

S E P T E M B ER

Monday

Friday VISIT TO LOCAL ART GROUP AT 6PM

Minutes taken from The

- at the Bankley Mill Studios, Levenshulme

Community Association Meeting

- with Lydia Meryll Stacey and Coughlin (Local artist at Bankley Mill Studios)

on 3rd September

16

Whilst visiting Bankley Mill we were given a flyer by Stacey Coughlin. The flyer was for an afternoon tea event where the artists were talking about their work with the public - we thought it would be a good opportunity to talk to and include the artists in out community plans

13

Tuesday

Saturday

17

Sunday

18

ade: tacts M n o C New lin os) Studi Cough l l i y e c M a St ankley st at B i t r a l (Loca The information printed in the minutes had come directly off the boards in which the Levenshulme public had written on.

14

Wednesday

We at Manchester School of Architecture Projects (msap) had produced a book of our collective engagement work and had organised an exhibition to display the contents at the CUBE Gallery. The intention was to advertise the book whilst running a ‘Sharing the City’ workshop where we exchanged knowledge of the city with the public.

15

Some of Stacey’s work

Thursday

EXHIBITION SET-UP

Key moments that influenced the project: •

I was able to gain feedback from my presentation at The Levenshulme Community Association Meeting

Managed to discuss potential projects with Lydia Meryll and brainstorm ways of pursuing options

I met Stacey who expressed an interest to collaborate with The Community Association

Lydia invited me to join her in visiting a community driven scheme on 29th September

- at the Cube Gallery, Portland Street - with Manchester School of Architecture Projects

6TH YEAR


SEPTEMBER

26

2011

Monday

Although the involvement of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has enabled the realisation of the project, it was

2011

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER

redirected community emphasis from a scheme ran by local residents to a more corporate administration.

Friday

30

Saturday

1

Sunday

2

SHARING THE CITY WORKSHOP - at The CUBE Gallery, Portland Street - with Manchester School of Architecture Projects

27

28

Tuesday

Wednesday

I was invited to visit Stirley Farm along with her and a couple of

New Conta

cts Made:

New Conta

cts Made:

Roger Bro

adbent (D

le Brian Lavel anager) rammes M g ro P T W Y (West

her friends - all of whom were consciously active within the local communities where they lived. The ‘grow your own’ project, just outside Huddersfield, was the product of two years community

n al Rawlinso

V

nchester (Set up Ma

29

Thursday

yslexia Fou

ndation)

The downstairs exhibition space at the CUBE Gallery, on Manchester’s Portland Street, was reserved to present the content of the book. Thanks to those at the CUBE

cheme)

Compost S

Gallery, the studio unit were granted permission to claim ownership of the same space

engagement and seemed an appropriate place to start thinking about community participation in design once again.

during the weeks of the exhibition. This allowed the unit the opportunity to hold a

a Murphy

ember ent and a m m ot ll a y it mmun (Runs a co scheme) lder People O g n ei lu a ter V of Manches

Den

VISIT TO STIRLEY FARM 'GROW YOUR OWN' JUST OUTSIDE HUDDERSFIELD

‘Sharing the City’ workshop on the 30th September in which we shared and advanced abilities to communicate architectural knowledge with local people.

Key moments that influenced the project: •

- at Stirley Farm, Huddersfield

Gained an insight into existing community schemes, how they were created. For a community scheme to be a success the local people must be involved to the very a end

- with Lydia Meryll, Val Rawlinson and Dena Murphy The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust initially worked with Kirklees Council and local residents (via Newsome Ward

A great opportunity to network and develop contacts that could potentially advance design projects

It was a successful exercise in consultation and engaging with members of the public which was good practice for the

Community Forum) to develop plans to restore the farm and some of its surrounding land. After consulting the surrounding local communities, the idea was to get it up-and-running as a community farm and open it up to the public, offering a range of community-based, community-run facilities for the benefit of local residents.

6TH YEAR

rest of the year


OCTOBER

2011

2011

OCTOBER

3

Monday

Friday

7

4

Tuesday

Saturday

8

Sunday

9

6TH YEAR ENGAGING LEVENSHULME EVENT ‘FACES OF LEVENSHULME’ - at Stockport Road, Levenshulme - with the people of Levenshulme

After spending several months away during the summer break and Inspired by the msap event

cts Made: New Conta Hennigan t) Lawrence ity activis d commun n a rd lo d (Local lan

at the CUBE Gallery, I thought it

5

Wednesday

was time to get reacquainted with the people of Levenshulme once again. Armed with a pen and an

coming bout the up a e m ld to Laurence d every hich is hel w l, a v ti es eF e Levenshulm some of th at I put up th d te es g ug year. He s cussing et people dis g to s o' ot s to ph nd solution fi d n a es u e iss Levenshulm together. ade better m e b n a c how it

A3 sketchpad I set foot on Stockport Road with one question: If you could describe Levenshulme in one word, what would it be?

6

Thursday

The film aimed to gage people’s opinions on the area in a suc-

Key moments that influenced the project: •

It was a fun way of getting reacquainted with the people of Levenshulme after the summer break

After collecting the responses, I combined the opinions to create pairs of positive / negative haiku poems

I decided to return to Levenshulme with the poems and an edited version of the photographs to document

cinct way, whilst looking at patterns in cultural diversity and social status. The film was completely created by the thoughts and opinions of the local people; they therefore became the key obstruction that dictated the eventual outcome of the film.

6TH YEAR

their reaction to see if they agreed or disagreed with what people had said about the ward


OCTOBER

2011

2011

OCTOBER

10

Monday

Friday

14

11

Tuesday

Saturday

15

Sunday

16

6TH YEAR ENGAGING LEVENSHULME EVENT

I returned to Levenshulme with a film of the photographs and poems.

‘REACTION OF LEVENSHULME’

The film was made a confidential edit, to protect the privacy of those

- at Stockport Road, Levenshulme

who may wish to remain anonymous. I wanted to see if I could shift

- with the people of Levenshulme

people’s thoughts from concentrating on deep set negative impressions, and begin to encourage them to envisage what Levenshulme could be. I thought a good place to start would be to ask the question:

12

What is Levenshulme good at?

Wednesday

To accompany the film and poems, I took

a board to write on which asked people to express what they thought were ‘Levenshulme’s Assets?’ This generated some really open and positive discussion as participants began to imagine how we could all improve the area. Among the ideas were suggestions to green the A6, as well as reinvigorate already popular local facilities such as the Arcadia Centre and Levenshulme Baths.

13

Thursday

Key moments that influenced the project: •

New C Monic

ontact

a John

s Mad

son (L

e:

By taking the video back to people who had already

featured in it the weeke before, it was interesting to see

ocal B

how they reacted to people with a differing opinion

utcher

)

By returning to people I had already met, such as Monica gave me the chance to build relationships and open a dialogue which could hopefully be continued throughout the year

6TH YEAR


OCTOBER

17

2011

2011

Monday

OCTOBER Friday

LUNCH AT 1PM

21

START OF THE LEVENSHULME FESTIVAL 2011

- at Eighth Day Cafe, Oxford Road - with Lydia Meryll

18

Tuesday

Saturday

22

Sunday

23

I emailed Lydia a copy of the positve and negative poems so that she could take themwith her to a poetry group she was attending.

19

Wednesday I met Lydia at the Eighth Day Cafe on Oxford Road and showed her the findings from my two previous events in the ward. She asked if i might send her a copy of the poems so she could show others.

20

Thursday

Key moments that influenced the project: The haiku poems were created out of the words that I the public of Levenshulme had written

down for me in a previous event. I had

Getting people thinking about what Levenshulme's assets are and excited about what the area could be in

attempt to encourage future consultation

rearranged them into two positive and two negative poems, one of each looking at how

Lydia took the poems to the ‘Off the Wall’ poetry group to see their reaction and generate some inclusion

There appears to be a clear divide in opinion on the area - A new design must look to integrate these groups and a

‘Levenshulme is’ and the other ‘how Levenshulme has changed.’

programme must be designed that is agreeable with all user groups

6TH YEAR


NOVEMBER

14

2011

2011

Monday

NOVEMBER Friday

AFTERNOON TEA AT 2PM

18

- at Bankley Mills Studios, Levenshulme - with Lydia Meryll and Stacey Coughlin New Contacts Made:

15

16

Tuesday

responding to the flyer that Stacey gave me back in

Marnie Matthews

September, I spent the afternoon at Bankley Mills was a

(Local artist at Bankley Mill Studios)

great opportunity to meet and converse with local artists

James Roper

It was beginning to become more clear that the

in the Levenshulme area. Work was exhibited in the small

(Local artist at Bankley Mill Studios)

situation between the council and Levenshulme

exhibition space, however it soon became apparent that the

Baths was still controversial. Lydia sent an

tight layout means numbers entering the gallery are limited

email inviting me to a baths campaign group

and the access via a staircase denies inclusivity - speaking

who were meeting later in the week at

to some of the artists, they expressed interest in an gallery

The Bluebell Inn

space elsewhere in Levenshulme for larger events.

Wednesday

Saturday

19

Sunday

20

Exhibition Space at Bankley Mills Studios

17

Thursday

Key moments that influenced the project: • The baths campaign group taught me that Levenshulme Baths was a serious and topical project to pursue.

SWIM AT 12:30PM - at Levenshulme Baths

New Contacts Made: Beth Marshall

BATHS CAMPAIGN GROUP MEETING AT 2PM

(Local resident and

- at The Bluebell Inn

campaign group)

I emailed Jonathan Richards, an architect for BDP and current chair of The Community Association about the baths

head of the baths

Meeting local artists such as Stacey, Marnie and James means potential work with artists in the project - Making a link between Bankley Mills and Levenshulme Baths

- with Lydia Meryll, Beth marshall and The Baths Campaign group •

6TH YEAR

At the meeting it became apparent that the baths were not yet exempt from demolition. If they were to remain open then changes would have to be made to the existing building as it was in a state of disrepair.

Establishing a need for gallery / community art spaces in the Levenshulme Baths development could justify its survival


NOVEMBER / DECEMBER

28

2011

2011

Monday

First Floor Layout

TOUR OF LEVENSHULME BATHS AT 10AM

MEETING AT THE ANTIQUES VILLAGE AT 2PM

- at Levenshulme Baths

- at The Antiques Village, Levenshulme

- with Lois Piltz (Manager of Levenshulme Baths)

DECEMBER Friday

2

Saturday

3

Sunday

4

with Lydia Meryll MEETING TO DISCUSS FUTURE PLANS FOR THE BATHS AT 11AM - at the Library, Levenshulme - with Lydia Meryll and Beth Marshall Ground FloorLayout

29

CRITIQUE OF EXISTING BUILDING

Tuesday

I met Lydia at The Antiques Village, a building that formally the old Town Hall of Levenshulme. It has been converted into an antiques workshop and seemed a fitting place to meet to discuss taking on the Levenshulme Baths project.

30

New Conta

New C George

Jonathan Richards sent back a reply to my email

At The George my ‘F

Thursday

regene

Wood

s Mad

e:

(Local

Antiq

George

rating

venshu

aving

encour

lme fo

e durin

’ event

baths)

After having a tour of the building receiving a copy of existing plans from Lois, I set about doing a critique of the building. I discussed this with both Lydia and Beth and between us highlighted which areas of the baths can be saved and which areas need adapting to make a more

g

improved and inclusive facility

been a y

he idea

immin

nto

r man

aged t

the sw

saving the

e ran i

t befor

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t of Le

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llage w

ad me

Levens

all Beth Marsh involved in and heavily t en d si re l (Loca

Reside

ues Vi

who I h

in the

residen years,

ontact

aces of

earlier

31

cts Made: ths) shulme Ba er of Leven g a n a (M Lois Piltz

Wednesday

g bath

s.

Key moments that influenced the project:

of • Visiting the Antiques Village, yet another destination along Stockport Road, made me appreciate how special the Baths site is due to it’s location within a community which has grown around it over decades

Realising the potential of acting on contacts made such as Jonathan Richards in order to enrich the project

A critique of the baths highlighted key flaws and positives in the existing building - areas that could be saved and a key area in the washhouse that could potentially be removed to make place for a new build

6TH YEAR


DECEMBER

5

Monday

6

Tuesday

2011

2011

Jonathan and I looked through the existing plans and discussed my design ideas so far . We discussed different options for the baths, whether it be converting the existing or

7

Wednesday

DECEMBER

de: tacts Ma cian) New Con ocal Politi L / t en esid nigan (R ident)Friday James Hen ister / Res in M l a c d (Lo Les Irelan

9

Saturday

10

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MEETING AT 2PM

The main focus of this Community Association

- at the Library, Levenshulme

Meeting from my personal position was to let

- with The Community Association

everyone know what I had been doing and generate some excitement. I was interested in

constructing a completely new building on

learning what ideas other people had, and what

the same of existing site. Leaving the meeting

site was appropriate. It was an opportunity to meet

I was undecided on what was the best option, so

more local people with the intention of creating a

intended to bring up the matter at the

sub-group that could meet more regularly.

upcoming Community Association meeting.

Sunday

11

DESIGN MEETING AT 5:30M

The minutes taken from the meeting

- at ACaffe Nero, Ducie Street

on the 11th outlining the importance

- with Jonathan Richards (BDP Architect)

of the baths as a cultural centre. Also there was a positive reaction the possibility for future public consultation regarding the future of the baths.

8

Thursday

Key moments that influenced the project: •

Discussing the design with Jonathan was a huge help as he had personal experience of the baths as well as being a fully qualified architect. We could discuss the project from a professional point of view which was incredibly useful

•

The reaction from the Community Association Meeting was fantastic. There was clear enthusiasm for retaining parts of the baths as well for ideas of more open community consultation with the public in future weeks/months

6TH YEAR


JANUARY

9

CONVERTING THE EXISTING BUILDING

2012

Monday

2012

JANUARY Friday

PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION STUDIO 3

13

After backing from the community association I decided to develop the existing building further. Inspired by the discussions with Jonathan Richards, I looked to develop a link between the existing a potential new-build. This An email from Beth inviting us all to a Manchester City Council

link would form the spine of the building in which all

meeting at the Town Hall later in the week. There has been rumours that The Council had backed ideas of a

the spaces are organised.

new swimming baths being developed in Levenshulme whether it be a new build or conserving the existing.

10

Tuesday

Saturday

14

Existing Ground Floor PLan

MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL MEETING - INDOOR LEISURE REVIEW - at the Manchester Town Hall

The spine is reflected throughout the floor levels creating

- with Manchester City Council, Beth Marshall, Malcalm Cowen, Lydia Meryll, David Motram

access to both pools.

The leisure facilities in south Manchester was the first item on the agenda at The Manchester City Council meeting. The meeting was witnessed by residents, of the wards in question, who had chosen to be there. Levenshulme Baths was pitted

11

Wednesday

against similar amenities in Chorlton and Withington, however only

Sunday

Levenshulme was represented by a member of the public - Malcolm Cowen.

15

The circulation route will begin in the enclosed cafe / atrium space, lead to a semi enclosed

New Con

courtyard within the new build. the route aims to

med

offer views into key spaces, such as the pools,

Aftab Ah

tacts Ma

(Labour

12

Party Co

de:

uncillor

for Leven

shulme)

eventually spilling out into Greenbanks PLaying fields.

Thursday

I met Aftab after the council meeting at the

Key moments that influenced the project: •

The meeting at the Town Hall meant that the Council were seriously considering on keeping a swimming facility in Levenshulme, whether it be a new build or investing in the existing building

town who where he offered his services as the councillor for the area. This is a key contact to make it gives the project a voice in the

Manchester City Council - however indicates

Malcolm, the speaker for the Levenshulme representatives presented the need to retain the existing building due to its social and historical importance and its key role as part of a community hub away from Stockport Road

how the baths can be exploited for political power. •

6TH YEAR

Focused the design brief - a conservation / new-build approach appeared the correct design choice


BUILDING DEVELOPMENT

JANUARY

23

2012

2012

JANUARY

Monday

27

Friday

Modelling of the Baths in three dimensions investigating the central atrium and adjacent circulation. Additional third floor, solving current

2F

Development of the plan and 3D model

roofing issues and drainage whilst supplying possible community facilities.

24

Tuesday

28

Saturday

Section of additional third floor and

1F

relationship to swimming pool below

25

Wednesday

29

Sunday

GF

Glulam / materiality study model

26

Thursday

Key moments that influenced the project: • A sub-group meeting was organised to meet the

Following the meeting at the Town Hall, Lydia looked into organising a sub-group to look at developing Levenshulme Swimming Baths in greater detail. There is the possibility that the ideas produced could be considered

Sketch sections and perspectives

following week

• The layout of the existing building had developed

as part of the levenshulme local plan and any pressure on The Council can

and the design emphasis had shifted to the new build

only be positive for any future funding for the facility.

element and the integration of a new, larger swimming pool whilst maintaining the central spine

6TH YEAR


JANUARY / FEBRUARY

30

Me

2012

2012

Monday

FEBRUARY Friday

3

With a sub-group created, a meeting was organise and held in the kitchen of Lydia Meryll’s house. We weighed up the options of a new-build baths on a different site but came to the conclusion that it would be detrimental to

Ruth Mckenner

the immediate area of the baths if they were to be removed, negatively affecting the other local amenities such as the library, school, local shops and public house . Beth Marshalll,

31

Tuesday

Saturday

Levenshulme Baths

4

Lydia Meryll Village Stores Princess Auto’s Mechanics

1

The Bluebell Inn ade: cts M a t n o New C ths) enner the ba k f c o r M e s Ruth and u ident s e R on (Gort

Wednesday

Sunday

5

Malcalm Cowen

2

Thursday

Key moments that influenced the project: Library Bowling Green

MEETING TO DISCUSS PLANS FOR THE BATHS AT 7PM

Chapel Street Primary School

The baths must be remain on the same site to preserve the unique community hub away from Stockport Road

In order for the site to be developed in Greenbanks Playing Fields , Princess Motors must be notified

There is a need for a community event at some point later in the year in order to address the wider public

- at Lydia’s House, Levenshulme - with Lydia Meryll, Beth Marshalll, Les Ireland, Malcalm Cowen and Ruth Mckenner

6TH YEAR


Greenbanks Playing Fields

FEBRUARY

6

2012

2012

FEBRUARY Friday

10

Saturday

13

The idea of a cafe can be brought outside and Sunday

14

Monday

CONNECTING GREEN

Seeing that that site alloted for the

SPACES IN LEVENSHULME

development of the baths has a frontage to this green space it is essential that the propsal addresses and encourages the use of the park

7

Tuesday The Greenbanks Residents

The Greenbank Residents

Association have also planned to plant

Association is a group of people

several new trees close to the boundary

organise themselves to discuss the

of the site which also is considered. The

park in which they all live close or

proposed running track and outdoor

adjacent to. They also publish a

fitness facilities are to be addressed

newsletter which is available monthly.

within the programme too.

8

Wednesday

Barlow Road

reed beds could be used to help the park with its drainage - creating an enjoyable yet practicale environment.

SWIM AT 9AM - at Levenshulme Baths

9

Thursday

Key moments that influenced the project:

The new development of the baths can be used to

The new trees restrict the views out the park - openings in the new build must reflect this

Poor park drainage has been an issue for a while. The terrain naturally falls away towards the baths.potential for

create a stronger link between Barlow Road and Greenbanks Playing

the building landscaping to reslove the issue by the use of reed beds / ponds

Fields. This can come in the form of interior and exterior routes.

6TH YEAR

Increased involvement from The Greenbanks Residents Association in future consultation meetings


An email on the Friday from Malcolm in reaction to the City Council’s proposal of building a

MARCH

completely new swimming baths without looking at any options to retain any of the existing.

2012

5

Monday

6

Tuesday

2012

The Council

MARCH Friday

9

Looking at alternative sites

I was appearing on the agenda for the next Community

for the mechanics the

Association meeting taking place later in the week on the 10th

baths could displace

March. I had a short time slot in which I had to present how the existing building could be re-organised. However, to avoid an

Lydia’s personal reaction to Council’s lack of consultation with the local community. The idea of a

‘uproar’ we decided to hold some work back for the sub-group as

sub-group was created so that we could all meet more regularly to discuss the future plans for the baths.

“I wonder about the MEANING of ‘co nsultation’...”

it controversially involved the demolition of Princess Auto’s an option which the mechanics was yet to be consulted about.

7

Meryll, Levenshulme resident and

Wednesday

Lydia

campaigner, 09/03/12

“We can talk about this on Saturday and develop a strategy for consultation that actually means something instead of the councils usual approach!” Charlotte Smith, Levenshulme resident and campaigner, 09/03/12 8

Thursday

Key moments that influenced the project: I had arranged to meet up with Beth so that

The meeting with Beth helped focus what I was going to present at The Community Association Meeting. I decided

we could discuss what to include in the

that I would only present the work that I had produced on the existing building as the scheme was yet to be run

PRESENTATION PREPARATION MEETING AT 6PM

presentation. Beth had been particularly

past the local mechanics that might be affected.

- at The Inspire Centre

active in saving the baths in February 2011

- with Beth Marshalll

and fronted the baths campaign group

The email from malcom highlighted how passionate the people I was working with were about the baths. It also focused our approach, as we believed the baths should remain on the existing site and maintain as much of the existing building as possible

6TH YEAR


PRESENTATION SHEETS THAT I HANDED

MARCH

2012

2012

OUT THE MEETING

and ade: dent i s e al R Con (Loc n New o ght ent) Nau esid r e t) R t e l P iden oca s L e ( R e lott ocal Char s (L n o m ent) esid Com R n l h a o J (Loc tham a L Jo

Monday

M tacts

The presentation sheets that I handed out to the members of The Community Association. One page critiqued the current building and the site. Highlighting the importance that the baths remains on Barlow Road as there is a fear that

r) Chai

MARCH Friday

if one of the facilities that makes up the ‘community hub disappears then the rest will soon follow.

Tuesday

The second page illustrated changes that could be

Saturday

made to the existing building so that it can function more efficiently and new programmes

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MEETING AT 2PM

can be introduced such as a cafe/atrium space.

- at the Library, Levenshulme

This page also suggested an internal aesthetic

- with The Community Association

10

as well asenvironmental strategies to explain to people that keeping the existing building may not

Development of a

mean high costs

Levenshulme Baths sub- group

Wednesday

Sunday

Thursday

Key moments that influenced the project: Photograph taken from

my seat at The

I once again had to present to The Community Assocation which consisted of around 25 people that week. with every presentation I have gained confidence and tried to communicate my ideas clearly

Community Association meeting prior to my

We formed a sub-group who were interested in meeting evert week to design a new swimming baths

I was able to make some very influential contacts who would go on to play considerable roles in key design

presentation

decisions and making the final exhibition happen

6TH YEAR

11


MARCH

12

2012

2012

Monday

Through talking to Jonathan and consulting my tutors at the

MARCH Friday

16

Saturday

17

Sunday

18

University, it became clear that the building needed to have more of an impact to the street. Therefore the angle of the pool would change to run parrallel with the road edge. This relationship was important as an active street frontage can create user interest in the building and encourages interaction. It also created a space between what were now two building wings which could become a outdoor, semi-enclosed courtyard space.

13

Tuesday Committed Sub-Group Members:

Jonathan and I looked at how the building

Ian Burnett

could be better organised to incorporate a cen-

Lydia Meryll

tral spine that connects the existing building

(Secretary of the Levenshulme Community Association)

to the new-build and park beyond. It was really

Malcalm Cowen (Local Resident)

useful to talk over ideas with someone who was

Peter Naughton (Local Resident and new Chair)

an architect and who was also a resident of

Charlotte Smith (Local Resident)

Levenshulme.

Beth Marshall (Local Resident)

14

Wednesday

Development of sauna spaces

Development of building section

DESIGN MEETING AT 5:30M - at Caffe Nero, Ducie Street - with Jonathan Richards (BDP Architect)

15

Thursday

6TH YEAR

Key moments that influenced the project:


Lydia Meryll

MARCH 2012

19

Monday

20

Tuesday

2012

Charlotte Smith

At the meeting hosted by

MARCH Friday

23

Saturday

24

Sunday

25

Malcolm, the sub-group was joined by members of The Greenbanks Residents Association. Therefore the main topic of conversation was the baths and its relationship to the playing fields beyond.

21

Some of the materiality Precedent that I took to

Wednesday

the meeting

It became clear that it was vitally important that the baths both related to the park but also a much larger greening masterplan which included the school and green paths to the south.

22

Thursday

Key moments that influenced the project: •

MEETING TO DISCUSS DESIGN IDEAS FOR THE BATH AT 2PM

It is very important that the swimming baths integrate into the existing green spaces in the immediate area of Levenshulmeas part of an overall masterplan

- at Malcolm’s House, Levenshulme - with Malcalm Cowen, Lydia Meryll, Charlotte Smith, Peter Naughton

External cafe needed as well as internal - make use of Greenbanks PLaying Fields

New trees are to be planted as part of Greenabnks Development - the materials of the new building must blend i

and Greenbanks Playing Fields Representatives

into the new wooded surroundings.

6TH YEAR


David Adjaye’s ‘Dirty House’

MARCH 2012

26

2012

Monday

MARCH / APRIL Friday

30

It’s exciting for msap to know that the people of Levenshulme are willing to engage with us for many years to come!

27

Tuesday

Saturday

31

Sunday

1

I met Peter near my flat in the centre of Manchester to discuss the project

28

Wednesday

further. I showed him more of the design that I had been working on and I

Today the trees were planted in

asked his opinions on materials. I showed him possible solutions for the roof

Greenbanks Playing Fields -

above the existing building - a feature which is integral to the entire design.

generating more interest in the

He picked David Adjaye’s ‘Dirty House’ as the most appropriate option as it

back, something the design of

appeared to float above the existing building as if it was not even touching.

the new baths wishes to add to

We both felt that this option maintained the integrity of the existing structure whilst making a statement of intent that Levenshulme was mov-

ing forward into a new era. “We n eed a warm some, welc fun so oming rt of b , com u i l d i e-in-h Thursday n 29 g!” ere-

Peter

Naug

hton,

Chair

MEETING WITH THE CHAIR OF THE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - at The Britain’s Protection Pub, Manchester City Centre - with Peter Naughton

of the

Source: http://lovelevenshulme.blogspot.co.uk

Comm

and-h ave-

unity

Assoc

iation

, 29/0

3/12

Key moments that influenced the project: •

The new building must compliment the existing and yet still make a statement of intent for Levenshulme

The facade should be welcoming and interactive and yet not date easily with time

The hype around the Greenbanks Playing Fields and new trees / equipment there is a small step towards ensuring the park is better used. The swimming baths scheme should try to integrate with these changes that are already taking place in the area

6TH YEAR


APRIL 2012

2012

APRIL

2

Monday

Friday

6

3

Tuesday

Saturday

7

4

Wednesday

Sunday

8

Lydia gave me the details of Lorenza Casani, who is an architect, a tutor at Sheffield University as well as a resident of Levenshulme. I arranged to meet up with Lorenza to discuss my project as well as consultation techniques that could be explored in the event planned to be held in May. New

5

Thursday

Loren

Cont

acts

(Arc

za C

hitec

asan

t, Tu

Mad

tor, L

e:

ocal

Resi

Key moments that influenced the project: dent

)

• Lorenza was a brilliant person to get in contact with at this stage of the design as she once worked for URBED who specialise in community engaging architectural practice and she showed real enthusiasm for the project

• Organising a meeting Lorenza gave me an exact deadline to finalise the work I was doing, which was useful as the BRACC deadline was fast approaching

6TH YEAR

I had completed organising the plan so it interacting with Greenbanks Playing Fields and on the pools structure


APRIL 2012

16

2012

Monday

APRIL

Friday

20

Saturday

21

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION EVENT MEETING AT 6PM - at the Inspire Cente, Levenshulme - with Peter Naughton and Charlotte Smith and Malcalm Cowen

17

Tuesday

Poster for the event designed by Jamie Summers

18

Wednesday

Sunday

22

At the Friday meeting we managed to

book the Inspire Centre for the Exhibition. We also discussed how we would promote the event through posters and newspaper articles. The sub-group were keen to ensure that the local schools were involved as much as possible.

19

Thursday

Key moments that influenced the project: I printed off some basic renders of the model I was building on the computer at

•

We managed to book the Inspire Centre for the 19th May. We could now focus on publicising and getting

everything ready for that date

home and brought them to the Friday meeting. At the meeting I supplied colouring pencils and pens so that everyone

6TH YEAR

•

I was able to clarify, with the assistance of the sub-group the landscaping around the building. The suggestions

could draw how they imagined the

were planted trees, reed ponds with surrounding seating and a mixture of surfaces so cyclists could use the routes

landscaping should work.

too


Work produced for BRACC

APRIL 2012

23

2012

Monday

APRIL

Friday

27

Saturday

28

I got to meet with Lorenza at the CUBE Gallery - the DESIGN MEETING AT 4:30PM

same venue that msap held their exhibition back in

- at the CUBE Gallery, Portland Street

September. It was the first time we met so I showed her

- with Lorenza Casani

a quick presentation of how I had got to the stage I was currently at.

24

Tuesday

Lorenza

Lorenza specialised in community

Lorenza is a qualified architect and also

consultation and inclusive design

tutors at Sheffield University. As a resident

having worked for URBED. She was

of Levenshulme she understood the baths

also interested in environmental

controversy

25

strategies and helped me configure the CHP system that that was

29

going to provide power, heat and Sunday

Wednesday

coolth within the building.

I had the work that I was preparring for the BRACC submission. We went through my environmental strategies so that I could make changes if needed.

26

Thursday

6TH YEAR

BRACC SUBMISSION

Key moments that influenced the project:


APRIL / MAY 2012

30

Monday

2012 MAY

I emailed Stacey, one of the artists at Bankley Mills studiois, for some artwork to render into my internal visuals...

- at the Inspire Cente, Levenshulme

meeting with Lorenza

- with Malcalm Cowen, Beth Marshall and Peter Naughton

Tuesday

2

Wednesday

4

Saturday

5

Sunday

6

MEETING TO DISCUSS THE DESIGN AND UPCOMING EVENT DETAILS AT 6PM

Email organsing another

1

Friday

COMMUNITY CONSULATION MEETING - at the Caffe Nero, Ducie Street - with Lorenza Casani Lorenza and I went over different consultation techniques and the need to create models and drawings that the general public can relate to.

3

Thursday ...Stacey replied with a couple of pieces which

Key moments that influenced the project: •

could be used in the visuals - ensuring the scheme

The meeting with Lorenza was really insightful into not only designing with the user in mind but presenting you worK in a certain way so that it inspires and captures imagination as it is is easy to follow, read and visualise

is community driven to the smallest detail! •

After the discusions with Lorenza it was put into practice at the meeting at the Inspire Centre which proved a great opportunity to receive feedback on some of the visuals I was producing - it was vital to receive feedback on how they read to someone who was viewing them for the first time. We discussed how the event would take place

6TH YEAR


MAY 2012

7

Gallery Space

PORTFOLIO WORK

Monday

2012 PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION STUDIO 4

MAY

Friday

11

Saturday

12

Sunday

13

1:50 Detail Section

8

Tuesday

Interior / Exterior Visuals

9

Wednesday

After BRACC the design was now in its finals stages and all that was left to do was to produce the final visuals. These ranged from technical drawing to sections and internal and external perspectives. I attempted to stick to a similar style to the few I showed the sub-group. Beth in particular thought it was important that they kept the viewer guessing so to trigger their own imagination. Greenbanks Approach

10

Thursday

Key moments that influenced the project:

Lydia got back in touch after returning from holiday. I informed her of what she had missed while she was away. I asked her if she would mind writing some words of support which she duely abliged. The letters of support can be found at the

All final drawings can be found in the large formatted

end of the book.

document that accompanies this book.

6TH YEAR


MAY 2012

2012

M AY

14

Monday

Friday

18

15

Tuesday

Saturday

19

FINAL MEETING TO DISCUSS UPCOMING EVENT DETAILS AT 6PM

LEVENSHULME BATHS COMMUNITY EVENT OPENING 2-5PM

- at the Inspire Cente, Levenshulme

‘LEVENSHULME BATHS - HAVE YOUR SAY’

- with Lydia Meryll Malcalm Cowen, Charlotte Smith, Beth Marshall and Peter Naughton

- at the Inspire Cente, Levenshulme with Lydia Meryll, Malcalm Cowen, Beth Marshall, Peter Naughton and The people of Levebshulme

16

Wednesday

17

Thursday

6TH YEAR

Sunday

20

Key moments that influenced the project:


PROJECT OVERVIEW

Conclusion

To conclude, I have found this entire process to be incredibly rewarding. It has been an experience of challenges and firsts, which I have had to overcome, but the skills that I have learnt will no doubt be of use as I leave the school and move into the architectural profession. The project would not have been possible without the collaboration and engagement of the local people of Levenshulme. Their input has been fundamental to the design process and I have enjoyed working alongside some fantastic people from all walks of life. I have tried to conduct myself in a professional way throughout the project as a student of the Manchester school of Architecture and an individual. I have offered my architectural services and consulted others in an arena where everyone’s input was equally respected and heard. Through the accumulation of my studio, technological and professional studies work, I feel that I am leaving the Bachelor of Architecture programme more equipped to enter the world of professional practice. I truly believe that I have learnt a varied array of skills over the last two years. I have improved as a designer, through my visual presentation and knowledge of construction, as well as in the field, where I have become far more astute in networking and presenting to people outside of the profession. I look forward to the challenges that the profession will bring in the upcoming future.


CHART OF AFFECTS

INCLUSION DIAGRAM Key 1

18/11/10

Levenshulme Resident Emily Jones

Ejjones4@gmail.com

Politician / Councillor

Paul Barker backstreetbarker@hotmail.com

Architect

Claire Gannaway

Levenshulme Baths Employee

10/03/11

Dave Murat dave@allfm.org

Local Artist

Dionne Gbasai ecokima@yahoo.co.uk

ALLFM Employee

claregannaway@googlemail.com

Lydia Meryll lydia@cooptel.net 03/09/11

David Motram

Val Rawlinson

Lorenza Casani

Dena Murphy

Marnie Matthews

Other

info@davidmottram.co.uk

James Roper

Malcalm Cowen mc@cowensw.co.uk John Horsfield 01612 259 785 Jonathan Richards

Jonathan Richards

Ruth Mckenner

Nick Hunter n.hunter@manchester.gov.uk

Stacey Coughlin

jonathanrichards@bdp.com

16/09/11

Stacey Coughlin stacey@sams-art.co

Dionne Gbasai

29/09/11

Brian Lavelle brian.lavell@ywt.org.uk

Val Rawlinson

Beth Marshall

Lydia Meryll

Dave Murat

Dena Murphy 30/09/11

Roger Broadbent

roger@dyslexiafoundation.co.uk

04/10/11

Lawrence Hennigan

07771 782 104

11/10/11

Monica Johnson

18/11/11

Beth Marshall beth_r_marshall@hotmail.co.uk

18/11/11

Marnie Matthews

Ian Burnett

Paul Barker

Emily Jones

marnie1987@live.com

Malcalm Cowen

Peter Naughton

Charlotte Smith

Nick Hunter

Les Ireland

James Roper jropermail@gmail.com 28/11/11

George Wood

02/12/11

Lois Piltz 07954 410 612

10/12/11

James Hennigan

John Commons

cllr.j.hennigan@manchester.gov.uk

Les Ireland lesireland@ntlworld.com

John Horsfield James Hennigan

Lois Piltz

10/01/12

Aftab Ahmed ahmedali0786@gmail.com

02/02/12

Ruth Mckenner ruth_mckenna@hotmail.com10/03/12

10/03/12

Peter Naughton Peter@EPNA.demon.co.uk

Monica Johnson

Lawrence Hennigan

Charlotte Smith charlottelmhr@gmail.com John Commons johncommons1@gmail.com Jo Latham jo.latham78@yahoo.co.uk 02/04/12

Aftab Ahmed

David Motram

George Wood

Roger Broadbent

Claire Gannaway

Jo Latham

Key 2 Community Association Member Sub - Group Member Connection Made

Lorenza Casani lcassini.architect@gmail.com Brian Lavelle

NOTE: Large = More involvement

6TH YEAR

Small = Less involvement


LETTERS OF SUPPORT

LETTERS OF SUPPORT

72 Milwain Road Levenshulme M19 2PR

Levenshulme Baths Project

07 May 2012

I have been living in Levenshulme since 2002 and since having a son in 2005 I have become very involved in the local community because having a child means you value the resources on your immediate doorstep more. In 2007 I was one of the organisers of a campaign to replace our community centre which was demolished and I have been involved in subsequent campaigns to maintain or improve the facilities and environment of Levenshulme.

To whom it may concern, I met Ian Burnett a year ago, when he was beginning to focus his participative work in the Levenshulme area of Manchester. I was impressed by the street consultation he undertook, using photographic images of sites which were being, or not being developed and which were of concern to local residents. I invited him to a meeting of the Community Association on 4th June 2011 and he has been attending ever since, contributing and presenting on several occassions. This has not been an easy process. There was an uprising of feeling when a Council plan to demolish the Baths was discovered, and a march and demonstration to Save the Baths ensued. There has also been resistance from the local authority to any alternative to their ideas for a new build multi-use facility in their designated Neighbourhood Centre on the A6. Other ideas for Centres are being discussed by local people and Ian’s design ideas have been very helpful in allowing local people to take an unprecedented lead in consultations, starting next week at the Inspire centre. Ian’s proposals for ecological savings and energy generation will help the council to re-consider any new build or renovation options in relation to the estimated carbon costs of both. The process of community learning has been greatly enhanced by Ian’s light touch intervention and good graphic explanations of alternatives. It has been very helpful to the Community Associaition and to local elected representatives, including Sir Gerald Kaufman MP, to see that a community can generate its own ideas together with the support of a student from the University. We have appreciated his interest, tact and skills. We hope he is successful and would request that there is an on-going relationship with the Department to ensure continuity of technical and design analysis for our neighbourhood. Yours sincerely Lydia Meryll Secretary Levenshulme Community Association

Perhaps the most significant of these campaigns was fought and won in February 2011 when the people of Levenshulme collectively acted to stop the closure of Levenshulme swimming baths. The baths have been threatened with closure over many years but again and again the community have mobilised to save the baths. The next nearest baths is the Aquatics centre on Oxford Rd which is very difficult to access without a car. There is also a great attachment to Levenshulme baths because it is situated off the main Stockport Rd opposite the library and surrounded by parks so it gives a little heart to the community away from the main through road. The council have proposed replacing the baths with an all-in-one ‘service’ centre on Stockport Rd but there is strong opposition to this precisely because it would destroy the calm oasis created by the current location of the baths and library. Levenshulme baths is over 80 years old and in urgent need of repairs and modernisation to bring it up to accessibility standard under the DDA. The baths accommodates two pools one of which can be made very private for exclusive swimming by particular groups such as Muslim women. There is a genuine fear that this would be lost in the new ‘service’ centre but we want to retain this type of provision especially for such a multi-cultural area of Manchester. Given that the location of the baths forms a heart to the community and the facilities at the baths accommodate a wide range of needs, the obvious question is why not invest in the current baths, bring it up to standard and even improve the site to attract new people and new use. This is what is so appealing about the architecture project that Ian Burnett has been working on. I met Ian at the AGM of the Levenshulme Community Association on the 10th March where he presented his ideas, but I was aware that an architecture student had taken on the idea to redesign the baths. One of the key components of our community campaigns in Levenshulme over the past five years has been public consultation. Instead of having plans imposed on us from the town hall we want a say in how our community develops. Therefore, it was obvious that with plans for a redesign of the baths we needed to have a public launch and encourage people to come and have their say. A group of people have been working with Ian to organise such an event which will be held on Saturday 19th May. The exhibition of the redesign will stay up for a week and people will be able to complete a feedback slip to inform the debate in Levenshulme about the future of our swimming baths. This has been a very exciting community architecture project and Ian should be commended for working so closely with the people who will actually use the building. I very much hope that this project will change the approach the city council is taking with regard to Levenshulme baths.

Charlotte Smith 11 Greenway Avenue, Levenshulme.

6TH YEAR


LETTERS OF SUPPORT

9 Eltham Street Levenshulme Manchester M19 3AL Tel: 0161 221 2022 Email: lca@epna.demon.co.uk

9 May 2012 To Whom it may Concern, Ian Burnett and the Levenshulme Baths Project This is to place on record the appreciation of the Levenshulme Community Association for the work undertaken by Ian Burnett regarding possible future enhancements to the Levenshulme Baths building in Barlow Road, Levenshulme, M19. He has devoted a lot of time and energy to meeting with local people in order to understand the community’s requirements and what they would ideally expect to see delivered on this site. His solution contains many innovative ideas which allow interested parties to view and evaluate the site in a completely new way. If implemented, these proposals would give the Baths a whole new lease of life with additional facilities within the building and the possibility of integrating provision for the adjacent playing fields. We are delighted to have been working with Ian and give him every good wish for his future career. Peter Naughton Chair Levenshulme Community Association cc:

6TH YEAR

Lydia Meryll, Secretary Malcolm Cowen, Treasurer




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