NEM invites residents to assess New Deal
Urban regeneration company New East Manchester is to hold a series of feedback sessions with residents as it prepares to wind down the 10-year New Deal for Communities part of its work.
In 1999, the neighbourhoods of Beswick, Openshaw and Clayton were selected to participate in NDC, one of the UK's biggest regeneration programmes aimed at tackling social exclusion. The programme invested in a range of projects from new buildings to employment training and closes at the end of March.
Eddie Smith, New East Manchester's chief executive, said: "We have commissioned a comprehensive evaluation of how NDC has been delivered and we want to involve as many local people in this as possible. Working closely with residents was a key objective of the Beacons [NDC] programme and we want to use this review to test how well this worked in practice.
"We want an open and honest assessment so we can use the results to shape how we take forward the regeneration of the area in the future. All residents of Beswick, Openshaw and Clayton are welcome, whether they have lived in the area a long time or moved into the area more recently."
Manchester-based independent regeneration consultancy, Ekosgen, is conducting the review. Study director, John McCreadie, said: "Without the views of a large number of residents, we won't be able to get a true picture of how successful the regeneration programme has been. This is everyone's opportunity to tell us what they think and ensure that the review provides a platform for the next phase of the area's regeneration."
The three events will be held as follows:
- The Grange, Pilgrim Drive, Beswick M11 3TQ on Tuesday 2 March from 4pm to 6pm
- The New Roundhouse, 1328-1330 Ashton Old Road, Openshaw M11 1JG, Thursday 4 March from 4pm to 6pm
- The Wells Centre, 101 North Road, Clayton, Manchester M11 4NE on Monday 8 March from 4pm to 6pm
Those who wish to take part should contact Tamara McNeill at Ekosgen on 0161 238 6050 or e-mail Tamara.mcneill@ekosgen.co.uk to attend a session or arrange a short private interview. The final review is due to be published in May.
