Media City development supports rising local talent

The young artists will now have their work displayed at Latimer’s £70m High Definition development and win cash prizes to support their ongoing studies. 

The competition called for the students of Salford to enter photographic and videographic art pieces showing what life in Salford means to them, encompassing work, education, leisure and everything in between.

First place winner Kaitlyn Leach is studying Wildlife Documentary at the University of Salford and submitted ‘A Year’s Wait’, a stunning cityscape featuring the sun rising over the Media City and Manchester skyline. She said:

“I was originally supposed to come to Salford last year, but due to Covid I had to defer for a year. My competition entry was a photograph of the view of Media City from my apartment. I waited a year to be here and this view lets me know every morning that I finally made it.

‘I’m thrilled to have won first place, the grant will really help with continuing my studies but I’m also looking forward to seeing my work displayed in such an exciting place.”

In second place was journalism student Victoria Hornagold. Her video submission ‘Excellence in Diversity: The City of Salford’, captures the juxtaposition of nature and industry in the city. And taking third place was Digital Media student Adam Ginniver, for ‘While Salford Sleeps’, a vibrant and colourful photograph of Salford Quay at night.

The entries were judged by the artist Amy Stephens, who is working with Latimer on several community art projects, and Sam Ingleson, associate dean: enterprise and engagement, School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology. With more than twenty entries from the talented student cohort, the panel was spoilt for choice.

Speaking about the competition, Amy said: “All the competition entries received were of an incredibly high standard. The brief celebrated life in Salford and each artist submitted their own personal interpretation in a unique and thoughtful way. The winning artists and their artworks highlights the genuine talent this city has to offer. 

“It is really important to Latimer that current and future developments work with the local community wherever possible. Therefore, being able to offer financial grants to the winning artists is a fantastic way to create opportunities and offer support.”

Sam Ingleson, associate dean: enterprise and engagement, School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology added: “Any artist would love to have their work displayed in a multimillion-pound building and we are thrilled that Latimer has offered this opportunity to our students so early in their careers.

‘The competition was also a valuable opportunity for students to gain experience responding to an industry brief and learning to think commercially as well as creatively with their work. It’s always very welcome when local businesses engage with the student body and contribute to their learning and development.”

The artworks will be displayed in the High Definition sales and marketing suite from June. The development is being delivered by Latimer, the private development arm of Clarion Housing Group, and will comprise 280 apartments. 100 of these will be available through shared ownership. 

Latimer’s shared ownership offering allows people to part buy, part rent a property while increasing their share of ownership over time until they own their property outright, a process known as staircasing. This approach eliminates the need for aspiring homeowners to put down a high deposit in order to buy a property, removing one of the key barriers many face to homeownership. 

Overall, 132 one-bedroom, 136 two-bedroom and 12 three-bedroom apartments are available at High Definition, with residents able to move in from November 2022. Prices for one-bedroom apartments start at £193,000. Two-bedroom apartments are available from £280,000 and three-bedroom apartments are available from £430,000. 

To find out more about High Definition visit: https://www.latimerhomes.com/new-build-homes/manchester/homes-salford/media-city-apartments-high-definition