A new poem and commemoration stone is being unveiled this week, at one of the city’s biggest and most ambitious regeneration projects.
The Lenton Green site saw five 1960s high rises tower bocks completely demolished to make way for 142 homes, including bungalows, flats, family homes and an award-winning independent living scheme.
The development, which was carried out by Nottingham City Council and Nottingham City Homes, has seen the area completely transformed and helped to regenerate that area.
The centre of the new neighbourhood features a green corridor – a place for wildlife and nature to thrive, and for residents to relax. On this green area, there is a large commemorative stone, that will now hold a poem dedicated to the area.
The poem has been written by Lytisha Tunbridge, a Nottingham writer, poet, performer, with the help from local Lenton residents. Speaking about the poem and dedication, Lytisha said: “I am delighted and honoured to have created this poem, incorporating the language of the industrial history of the area with conversations had with residents. I’d like to particularly thank Frank McCoid and June Roberts, who previously lived in the tower blocks and now reside in Palmers Court, for their contributions.”
Cllr Linda Woodings, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Housing and Heritage at Nottingham City Council, said: “We have been transforming neighbourhoods across the city, and creating a variety of quality homes and Lenton is a prime example of how we are not just building new homes, but completely transforming areas of the city.
“Spaces like this can bring a community together and help forge strong social links – and any public space deserves some public art. The high rises that stood on this site were iconic, and they won’t be forgotten. We’re delighted to have had local poet Lytisha Tunbridge on board to bring poetry to the Green, with help from local residents.”
Nick Murphy, Chief executive at Nottingham City Homes, said: “This new green space is the jewel in the crown of the Lenton Green development. It was always the plan to have a green heart in the centre of the housing, a place for wildlife and nature to thrive, and for residents to relax.
“The green space at the heart of the development is there to encourage people to come together and make use of this wonderful outdoor area. The landscaping features and open spaces encourage interaction and bring people together. This commemoration stone and poem will be a wonderful additional piece to the green space.”
The Lenton Green development has won numerous design and architecture awards, is recognised by the National Housing Federation as one of their Great Places, and by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as an exemplar housing development in the region.