Poignant exhibition highlights human story of urban regeneration

A powerful on-site photographic and audio installation has portrayed the complex emotions of residents as they contemplate their departure from the old Packington Estate and prepare for their new lives in the regenerated Islington housing scheme.

Opened by The Mayor of Islington, Councillor Theresa Debono, ‘Packing up Packington’ was created by professional photographer and Hyde resident Claudia Janke and ran from 9 September until 14 September.

The powerful on-site exhibition took place within a number of residents’ empty flats within an already vacated block, which will soon be demolished. It gave the public a brief insight into the lives of residents as they contemplate their move from their ‘old’ homes and prepare for in their new homes on the regenerated estate.

The exhibition coincided with the completion of Phase 3 of the estate’s regeneration by project partners Hyde and Rydon. The regeneration is a 10-year £170m project, which plans to have all residents of Packington Square moved into their brand new homes by the middle of 2016.

Bernice Ramchandani, Hyde’s Head of Construction (London) said: "We are delighted to be able to support a local artist in this way. Claudia’s work presents a compelling insight into the individual and human experiences within a regeneration scheme that most people would never even consider, let alone experience themselves. We hope this mixed-media exhibition can play a important part in helping people empathise with a community facing great change as well as an appreciation for the human stories that are at the heart of the current housing debate.”

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