A community housing project is set to open its doors to local residents this weekend, hosting a free arts event combining food, music, and performance.
Packington Square, a council estate that has been regenerated over the past twelve years, will be transformed by local artists on Saturday into the Palm Tree Picnic.
Artist Shepherd Manyika will play an audio piece sharing stories of residents from Packington who witnessed first-hand the rebuilding of the estate and its transformation into an award-winning social housing development project.
“There are very personal stories, there are people who had been displaced [to live on the estate],” said Manyika of the project.
Other performances include the planting of a palm tree in the middle of the residential complex, around which residents will be encouraged to gather for lunch.
Since 2008, the social housing project has earned widespread recognition, winning the Best Regeneration Project distinction at this year’s National Housing Awards.
