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Ice cream van JLP01_08_071642
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Ice cream van JLP01_08_071642
Hornchurch Court, Bonsall Street, Hulme, Manchester. A recently completed multi-storey block of Sectra flats in Hulme, probably Hornchurch Court, with a family in the foreground buying from an ice cream van.
Sectra was a French prefabricated steel formwork design for flats which John Laing and Son Ltd acquired the British rights to in 1962. It was a method of using precision made
steel formwork for the placing of structural concrete in tunnel sections in room unit widths and ceiling heights. The units were bolted together in rows on special tracks, with the concrete poured to form the walls and floors in one operation. The formwork was internally heated to accelerate the hardening of the concrete in the mould and the sections were then lifted into position by a tower crane on the construction site.
Hornchurch Court was the first of three multi-storey blocks that Laing built in Hulme for the City of Manchester to replace 5, 000 slum houses. The company started working on the site in October 1964 and finished 18 weeks later with the opening taking place on 10th May 1965. The other two blocks were due for completion at seven-week intervals
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24353975
© Historic England Archive
1960s Childhood Children Flats Food People Road Transport Tower Block Ice Cream Pram
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a moment in time at Hornchurch Court, Bonsall Street, Hulme, Manchester. In the foreground, a family can be seen eagerly buying ice cream from an iconic ice cream van. The scene takes place against the backdrop of recently completed multi-storey Sectra flats. Sectra was a revolutionary French prefabricated steel formwork design for flats that John Laing and Son Ltd acquired the British rights to in 1962. This innovative method utilized precision-made steel formwork to pour structural concrete into room unit widths and ceiling heights within tunnel sections. The units were assembled on special tracks and filled with concrete to create walls and floors simultaneously. To expedite the hardening process, the internal heating of the formwork was employed before lifting each section into position using a tower crane on-site. Hornchurch Court stands as a testament to Laing's commitment to urban renewal in Hulme. It was part of their ambitious project commissioned by the City of Manchester to replace 5,000 slum houses with modern housing solutions. Construction began in October 1964 and concluded just 18 weeks later when Hornchurch Court opened its doors on May 10th, 1965. This photograph not only showcases architectural achievements but also encapsulates everyday life during this transformative period in Manchester's history. It serves as a reminder of how progress can bring joy even amidst construction sites – where families gather around an ice cream van against the backdrop of new beginnings.
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