Newby Square was a development of high-rise and maisonette flats off Manchester Road in Bradford. These properties were built on the former site of traditional terraced houses in the mid 1960s in a move to modernise the area, but became the site of controversy when concerns about poor building practices and the use of asbestos arose, leading to the demolition of the entire estate in 1987.

Despite the challenges, Newby Square was a thriving neighbourhood and a significant cultural hub for Bradford’s African-Caribbean community.

The archive is a work in progress, an opportunity to gather the personal stories of people who considered themselves part of the Newby Square community. It illuminates some of the everyday experiences of people who lived there, and captures a moment in Bradford’s history that is little known outside of the families who were part of it. While Newby Square was culturally diverse, it was particularly important to the black community – most black families felt some connection with the estate, visiting friends there, attending ‘blues’ or gathering at MAPA for youth and cultural events, like People’s Day. It was also a place that lived under police surveillance and suspicion and for many this forms part of the story of its demise.

It is especially important to gather these stories now, as many of our Windrush elders are passing away. We are determined to record their memories for future generations.