Treasured Accrington: Riding On A Wave Of Hope.

My photographic series ‘Treasured Accrington’ reflects a changing time in a North-West town through landscapes, archives and a short documentary. Although I am affected by the decisions made for Accrington, I have created this work for the local people, motivated by seeing them -us- silenced despite deep care for the town and great suggestions. The inquiry led me into people’s homes I didn’t know and two volunteer groups -ATC Street Angels and the Food Bank-, giving me an insight into the issues of Accrington (homelessness) but also the positives- hope, care and compassion.

Recently the local Hyndburn council have received the levelling up funding grant for my town. The government fund aims to create opportunities in chosen towns across the UK including investing in the town centres which is what Hyndburn is undertaking. The result is a lot of change, most of which the people feel they haven't been included in its conception. 

I aim to show you some of the thoughts around Accrington about how money is being handled but also about Accrington itself; its beauty and faults. We listen to disagreements but also suggestions and a hope for the town, using the past and present to perceive a better future. We hear from residents, councillors, students, pastors and business owners. My opinion isn't expressed as it's not what's important here but rather giving a small group of residents a voice and hopefully making others feel less alone. 

I hope what you see is passion, documentation and two sides to a place. I hope you feel like things can change for the better.

As you can see the small selection of opinions are both positive and negative and largely from an older generation. So let's understand the problems in this town, and others, and more importantly do something to fix them; getting younger people involved, focusing what we the public want and sharing suggestions are a great first step.

Although the plans are set, I collaborated with a local landscape architect to bring to life the interviewees' visions- see below.

A proposed map of Accrington town centre showing possible focal points including improved gateway spaces and buildings that could be converted to be residential. 

A close-up sketch of a possible gateway space mentioned above to increase activity in the town centre. We propose: bike trails, sculpture referencing the heritage and a small green space to introduce more biodiversity into the town centre.

We could propose modular style seating/planters, keeping the space flexible by allowing the seating/planters to be moved according to the needs of the space. 

A futuristic view of outside the Market Hall. 

The white space is kept free for events such as markets, food festivals and music, bringing people into the town centre. 

The greenery represents a need for increased biodiversity in the town centre. The benefits of planting include providing a better sense of character and place making, good for wildlife and also helps to improve air quality.