Made in Millbrook

Made in Millbrook is a community heritage research project exploring the people, places, stories and memories of Millbrook, Southampton.

The project considers what Millbrook means to people who live or work in the area, grew up there or have other connections to the community. Looking across its past, present and future, it aims to record local experiences, preserve memories that might otherwise be lost and celebrate the people who have shaped Millbrook.

At the heart of the project are eight community researchers who have worked with residents to gather stories, memories and reflections. Their research is helping to build a richer picture of Millbrook’s heritage and identity, while giving local people opportunities to influence how their area is understood and represented.

Made in Millbrook has brought together community research, storytelling, creative workshops, photography, heritage activities and public events. The resulting research, stories, images and creative work are being shared through this website for the wider community to explore.

The project is led by the University of Southampton, shaped collaboratively with community researchers, residents and partner organisations, and delivered with support from the Southampton Institute for Arts and Humanities and Testlands.

A diverse group of community members waving and smiling at the Made in Millbrook sharing day event.

500+

Total Research Hours*

*as of August 2026

8

Community Researchers

Explore the community research

*as of August 2026

Millbrook’s Heritage

Community researchers have explored how Millbrook was planned, built and experienced, bringing archive material together with residents’ memories of everyday life in the area.

Vintage photo of Millbrook Shopping Centre with brick buildings, mid-century cars, and motorcycles.

Community Voices

Residents’ stories, memories and reflections are central to the project. Their contributions reveal different experiences of Millbrook and help create a richer, more personal account of the community.

Creative Responses

Photography, quilting, scrapbooking, art and other creative activities have offered new ways to explore Millbrook’s heritage and share its stories with the wider community.

Made in Millbrook is a University of Southampton community heritage research project, delivered with support from the Southampton Institute for Arts and Humanities and Testlands. The project has received ethical approval through the University of Southampton’s Ethics and Research Governance Online system: ERGO 112697. The views and experiences shared through the project belong to individual contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Southampton or Testlands. Copyright remains with the respective authors, photographers and rights holders; archive material is credited wherever possible.

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