Collyhurst is currently facing the prospect of more social housing demolitions as part of the planned Victoria North redevelopment - a joint-venture between the Hong Kong-based 'Far East Consortium' (FEC) and Manchester City Council.

The Victoria North project is one of the biggest state-led gentrification programmes outside of London, and a 'flagship' development both for MCC and the new government. Angela Rayner launched Labour's new housing policy from the estate, but although 15,000 new homes are planned for the area, only 130 are confirmed to be social housing and 500 council homes have already been lost to demolition and privatisation in the area in the last 15 years.

Local residents appeared in a recent film, Collyhurst Voices, talking about their sadness at the prospect of the community being torn apart. They say they would welcome new people arriving in the area, but this must not cause the displacement of the existing community.

Since late July, GMTU organisers, supported by our Harpurhey Branch have been working with tenants and residents in Collyhurst whose homes are under threat of demolition.

A public meeting attended by 40 people was held on 10th of August, where members of our Rochdale Branch - a branch with vast experience of fighting demolition - talked about the Save the Seven Sisters campaign and inspired the group. Banners were made by the Collyhurst residents and Harpurhey Branch and a demo was held outside FEC offices on Rochdale Road on 22nd August. The fight continues, with more planning meetings and a screening of the Collyhurst Voices film in the coming weeks.

Estate demolition is one of the most violent forms of social cleansing in our country. As a union we are committed to supporting tenants and residents facing state led gentrification, and resisting attempts to force people out of their homes.