The Neighbourhood
- Open roles
- 0
- Founded
- 2006
- Employees
- N/A
- Offices
- 1
About The Neighbourhood
The Neighbourhood was an independent creative communications agency and multidisciplinary production studio founded in Manchester in 2006. Its work brought together architectural visualisation, animation, motion graphics and brand storytelling, serving property developers, architectural practices, consumer brands and broadcast clients.
The studio combined photorealistic CGI with narrative design to communicate buildings, places and brands. For architecture and property commissions, it produced architectural renderings, fly-through animations and marketing films that helped audiences understand developments before construction. Its placemaking work extended beyond depicting buildings to developing identities, positioning and stories for emerging neighbourhoods and regeneration projects.
Visual storytelling across disciplines
Alongside architectural imagery, The Neighbourhood created 2D and 3D character animation, promotional films, broadcast packaging and title sequences. Brand identity, creative direction and visual design systems formed another part of its practice, connecting strategic narratives with moving-image production. Its digital work included virtual reality environments, interactive experiences and experiential content.
The studio's portfolio included the architectural film for Derwent London's Angel Building, an animated A-to-Z narrative for Allied London's St. John's Manchester development, and visualisation for Glenn Howells Architects' One St Peter's Square. It also produced motion graphics and architectural assets for Derwent London's Tea Building and Qube W1. Commercial commissions included work for Sony PlayStation and Sony PSP, JD Sports, The Saucy Fish Company and Manchester City FC.
From its Manchester base, the company delivered projects for clients locally and internationally. It remained independent throughout its operating history. In October 2017, its co-founders announced a planned wind-down to pursue individual ventures. Commercial operations ended in March 2018 after existing client commissions were completed; the legal entity subsequently dissolved in June 2020.
More about The Neighbourhood
Founders and historical leadership
- The four co-founders were Ben Davies, Jon Humphreys, Jon Hey and Tim Woods. Davies served as managing director and creative partner, while Humphreys served as creative director.
- Woods, the technical director, resigned as a company director in July 2010; Hey resigned as a director in September 2015. These are historical roles, rather than current leadership appointments.
Creative community and working culture
- The studio described its founding ambition as building a culture as well as a company. During the wind-down, it helped staff transition to new industry roles.
- As a founding tenant and community anchor at its Manchester workspace, it collaborated with Sheila Bird Studio and Hawkins\Brown on initiatives including the Lever Street Rooftop Project, documented in 2016.
Industry recognition
- The report records more than 30 industry awards for the studio, including Manchester Young Business of the Year and recognition at the Big Chip Awards.
- Its in-house animation Stories from The Neighbourhood received the Fresh Digital Awards Grand Prix, reported in November 2008.
- The Angel Building film received Best Overall Architectural Film and the Industry Choice Award at the Architectural 3D Awards, documented in Derwent London's July 2009 announcement.
Notable credits
6 creditsOffices
Where The Neighbourhood is based
- Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Manchester office
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