If Kim Wilde Can't Come, We'll Do It Ourselves!

Campaign is Launched in Response to Residents' Fury At More Unwanted Property Developments in Hulme

In 2004 the site was selected as an urban site of outstanding environmental importance, after beating off competition from several hundred other sites [3]. Eighties pop star turned celebrity-gardener Kim Wilde was scheduled to visit the site to help plant bulbs with local children and present the award on behalf of CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) a government-funded body. But, the event was blocked at the last minute by council officials alarmed that an environmental award would effect the site's market value[4].

It was subsequently revealed that the land has already been earmarked for development by the local council, leaving local residents fuming about the possible future of this valued green space. In an area of intense urban development, this tree lined site is of vital importance to residents of all ages from Hulme. The event is intended to launch the Hulme Green Spaces campaign and raise awareness about urban regeneration in the area. The campaign is supported by local Councilor Vanessa Hall [5] and by the staff at St Phillips Primary School on Stretford Road. The sight is also used by the wider local community, and would be sorely missed by all if it were to be regenerated by property developers.

The Community Event will run from 10am until 12pm and is free and open to all. There will be activities for the children, including planting bulbs and learning more about the natural beauty of the site, and a nature trail. This will also be an opportunity for all participants to voice their opinions on the possible regeneration. To close the St Phillip's pupils will be reading the letters sent to Manchester City Council, that plead for the protection of the site, their “wildlife area”. Councilor Vanessa Hall will also be contributing her comments. Refreshments and light snacks will be served.

Further Information

Notes for Journalists

1. The site the campaign is centered is located in The Hulme area of Manchester. It is to the West of the Hulme Arch over Princess Parkway and bounded by Bonsal Street, Stretford Road and Old Birley Street. The site was cleared by demolition in the 1980s and has since spawned a thriving natural habitat.
2. Hulme Green Spaces is a campaign group set up by members of the local community to save valuable green spaces threatened with development.
3. The site was nominated by Laurel Goss, a solicitor and local resident, whose children attend St Phillips Primary School. The competition was run by CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) a government-funded body. It aimed to find pieces of derelict urban land of environmental importance, suitable for listing as officially protected green spaces.
4. The visit of Kim Wilde and the Guardian Gardening Team was officially blocked by Roger Jackson of Regeneration South, an official at Manchester City Council.
5. Vanessa Hall is the elected Councilor for Hulme, and is the chair of the Manchester Green Party.

-- end of press release --

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