Member Article

£10m St Ann's regeneration scheme is inspiration for work of art

A housing development in Nottingham is to be the inspiration for a work of art by Arts Council Manager Raúl Calderón.

The 46-year-old has taken photographs of Keepmoat’s Manor Gardens site every week for six months after he reserved a property on the development in St Ann’s.

Charting the progress of his three bed house from wasteland to home, the budding artist is hoping to bring his snaps together to create a piece of art, which he then hopes to display in his new home.

“For me the transition from a rundown area into a thriving housing development is fascinating – it is regeneration at its best.

“As people move into the homes you can almost see the images brightening as the area improves,” says Madrid-born Raúl.

A former Flamenco dancer, Raúl moved to the United Kingdom 15 years ago after embarking on a new career as a producer.

Raúl was drawn to Keepmoat’s Manor Gardens development after viewing homes at its nearby Bulwell development.

Inspired by the company’s passion for regeneration, Raúl not only reserved a property but also made it the focus for a work of art.

“Like the development I hope my homage to the regeneration will be a success story, I have completely fallen in love with Keepmoat’s ethos and believe it is the only way to improve places, which have been neglected,” says Raúl who picked up the keys to his new home at the end of March, just in time for his 46th birthday celebrations.

Not only is the former dancer paying homage to regeneration in his new home, Raúl is to name his house ROSEFA after his two grandmothers, Rosa and Josefa.

“They were two beautiful, strong and brave women, survivors of the Spanish civil war who in a male dominated world managed to not just survive but to thrive, and in a very difficult environment built very prosperous businesses respectively. They gave me love, courage and passion to be able to live my life to the fullest …and somehow they still do,” says Raúl.

The £10 million regeneration of St Ann’s has seen 252 poor-quality homes cleared to make way for 111 energy efficient properties as part of the Stonebridge Park Masterplan.

The project in partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency and Nottingham City Council will see Keepmoat deliver 111 new homes for sale and affordable rent.

The masterplan will also include the provision of new road infrastructure and enhanced green space.

Maxine Conway, Regional Sales Manager at Keepmoat, said: “We are delighted Raúl is as inspired by these new homes as we are. Manor Gardens will see St Ann’s completely transformed over the next two years as we work with the council to build the reputation of the area.”

Councillor Dave Liversidge, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “I am pleased that our work with Keepmoat on the Stonebridge Park project in St Ann’s has been such an inspiration.

“Alongside the biggest council home building programme in the city in 40 years, Nottingham City Council is working with partners and developers to build much needed private and housing association homes. We want to not only build houses people need but communities that they want to remain in and contribute to.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Chris Walker .