In architectural developments, the artist’s impression – whether illustration, painting or 3D rendering – is used as a device to depict a scene when no other accurate representation is available. These layered scenes of smiling people against novel buildings amidst full trees, set against pleasant weather offer a preferred future, and one that you could be a part of.

In the local context of Narrow Marsh – the historic name given to the residential pocket in the heart of Nottingham roughly defined by Cliff Road and Sherwood Close — rumours of development have become a reality. Images of The College and the new Broadmarsh Centre have long been circulating, acting as placeholders for a memory to come.

When invited by Nottingham Contemporary to develop a project in the context of the immediate neighbourhood I looked no further than this future vision, asking not only how will the development impact the community, but how the community can impact the development.

Initially, through door-to-door invitations to local residents, we delivered a series of events including a summer street party, play-day, residents’ meetings and a Christmas lunch come editorial session. These events influenced the formation of the “Narrow Marsh Residents Group” (NMRG) who have set up monthly meetings to discuss the present and future of the neighbourhood. The gatherings have produced new feedback loops involving housing associations, local authorities and residents to share interests, concerns, resources and ideas to positively intervene within the immediate developments.

Narrow Marsh News features contributions by residents, reviews of local initiatives, archival material, as well as practical information and open data on the urban development. It is an attempt by an active few to share knowledge, inform of actions taken, and reveal questions yet answered to the wider community of Narrow Marsh.

This project and publication would not be possible without the support of the active residents of Narrow Marsh who have been involved from the beginning, the support of the team at Nottingham Contemporary, Nottingham City Homes, Nottingham City Council, Robin Robinson (HGDTA) for inspiration and working methods, and Studio Ard with their thoughtful approach to the material and design of the publication.