Heads up for Friday at @M3inds

These amazing heads were in storage at the Artwork Atelier (workshop, studio space) on Queens Road, Greengate, M3. They are laser-cut from cardboard and were made by artist Jai Redman and M3 Industries Art.

I was there for a public consultation yesterday displaying the plans (below) for a proposed 44 storey apartment block on Greengate, by Trinity Way. I think the man-in-a-suit showing me the plans was taken aback at my vocal opposition, some of which were NIMBYish views but many were not. I object because it’s too tall, would block light form other buildings and has no designated retail spaces underneath it - which I thought Salford Council had earlier said was compulsory in all new builds in the vicinity. I'd want independent retailers, cafes etc. not supermarkets or chains of course.

I also opined that it was a completely uninspiring tower block- no interesting features, innovative geometric shapes or design to it. He disagreed with me of course and doubtless it will all get built anyway. I may be lucky and still have a slight river view when it’s finished, we shall see (or not see, as the case may be). Its completion date is 2018. At least they are building a nice public walkway through to the river which will be an improvement on the current unloved underpass.

Sadly, in time, the atelier space will be demolished- probably for a 12 storey (maximum) building. Evidently it is safe "in the short term" the suit I spoke with yesterday said. I replied that hopefully there will be artists' space created within in any replacement build - or is that too much to ask?...