This research explores which places in Millbrook make residents feel proud and which leave them disappointed or concerned. Using photographs of familiar local landmarks and community spaces, participants were invited to sort the images into positive and negative groups and explain the feelings, memories and experiences behind their choices.

Pride and Disappointment in Millbrook

Gallery

The Images that were used to inform residents of different areas in Millbrook.

The project used a research method known as photo elicitation, where photographs are used to prompt discussion and help people express their views. Angie selected ten well-known locations across Millbrook, including parks, community buildings, residential areas, churches and local landmarks. Participants were asked to place the photographs into three groups: places that made them feel proud, places that disappointed them and places they did not recognise.

The activity was designed to reveal more than whether people simply liked or disliked a place. Angie asked participants why they had made each choice, which areas they would recommend to visitors, which places they might avoid, and whether they could recall moments when they had felt especially proud or disappointed to live in Millbrook. She also gathered basic information about age, gender and length of residence so that different perspectives could be compared.The Monopoly-inspired cards gave the project a playful and accessible format, while still creating space for thoughtful discussion. The responses showed that residents often held mixed views about familiar places. A park, building or facility might be valued for its purpose or history, while its current condition, maintenance or accessibility could still cause frustration.

Angie intended to map the results across Millbrook to identify any areas that attracted particularly strong positive or negative responses. This helped connect individual opinions with specific locations and provided a clearer picture of where community pride was strongest and where residents felt improvements were needed.

The findings highlighted the importance of green spaces, faith communities, local gathering places and recognisable landmarks in shaping a sense of belonging. They also drew attention to concerns about underused buildings, facilities that did not meet the needs of teenagers, and environmental issues such as overflowing recycling areas and fly-tipping.

Overall, Angie’s research shows that local pride is closely connected to how places are cared for, used and shared. It also demonstrates that residents can value a place deeply while still wanting it to improve. The project turns those feelings into practical insight about what matters most to people in Millbrook and where future action could make the greatest difference.

© 2026. All rights reserved.

Made in Millbrook is a University of Southampton research project, delivered with support from 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.

Privacy Notice | Terms & Conditions | Accessibility Statement | Contact