A community art project, facilitated by Manchester-based award-winning photographer and writer Len Grant has been launched at the Ancoats Primary Care Centre.
The artwork was created through a series of workshops with residents at Victoria Square and children from St Anne’s Primary School in Ancoats, as part of Len’s commission to produce a book documenting the history and £10 million renovation of the iconic Ancoats Dispensary by Great Places Housing Group, which will create 39 affordable new homes.
Celebrating the history of the Dispensary, the artwork has been installed at the care centre to share with the local community. The project was funded by Manchester City Council and supported by Great Places Housing Group, as part of Len’s wider book commission, made possible by the support of Eric Wright Construction, Turner and Townsend, PGIM, Manchester Life and Great Places.
At the launch event, Len spoke to those involved in the community art project about their involvement and their memories of the Dispensary.
Commenting on his book commission, Len Grant said:
This is a dream commission for me. I’ve been fortunate throughout my 30-year photographic career to have documented significant projects in the city’s transformation and the Ancoats Dispensary book continues that work.
The Dispensary is close to the hearts of so many local people and I hope, through a combination of treasured memories, archive material and, of course, the story of its current conversion, I can produce a book that celebrates both its significant past and its bright future.
Matthew Harrison, Chief Executive at Great Places Housing Group added:
We’re delighted to see the artwork produced by the local community that celebrates the history of the much loved Ancoats Dispensary building. We’re also proud that Great Places is breathing new life into the iconic building as we redevelop it, ready for its next phase into much needed affordable homes.
Cllr Gavin White, Executive Member for Housing & Development at Manchester City Council added:
The Dispensary has a special place in Ancoats and New Islington’s history and so as Great Places bring this important site back into use while building much-needed affordable housing, this art project is a great opportunity to celebrate the area’s heritage while giving local people a chance to find out more about the community they live in.
Len’s book on the Ancoats Dispensary will be launched in Spring 2024. It will celebrate the former hospital’s 149-year history, up to its current transformation into affordable homes and include photographs, memories from the local community and interviews with those involved in the building during the 20th and early 21st centuries.
