Seeking sites: neglected spaces

So, while the urban study is ongoing, it's worth mentioning that I do, actually, have my first deadline, which is Thursday 28th February. The piece of work to be submitted here is an 'Intervention' on my chosen site, which should aim to explore the nature of the site through a non-architectural medium (such as artistic installation or film).

The obvious pitfall in this is that so far, I do not have a site, so I've had to get out there and have a bit of a hunt. Today I walked around Basford (New and Old) and Bobbers Hill and Whitemoor. I'm not sure what the total distance was but it took me around 3 hours, and I managed to determine some possible sites in all three areas.

Obviously the urban study and research will inform which site I should be using. Today, then, my criteria was to find possible sites that show evidence of being neglected and could therefore be easily appropriated for intervention. After identifying all these possibilities, I can then use the conclusions drawn from my research to narrow the choice down and make a final decision. That's the plan.

Below are links to my picasa web albums, there are simply too many photos to post them all on here. I've added some observations of each area to accompany the albums:

• New Basford: Picasa album
• Residential buildings predominantly 3 storey red brick terraces, indicative of industrial heritage
• Empty industrial buildings are usually old, and look as if they have been empty for some time
• Industrial estate has plenty of working buildings, a lot of which are relatively knew. There are a lot of garages/vehicle orientated businesses. 
• Overall feeling in the area was not necessarily friendly
• Old Basford: Picasa album
• Residential predominantly red brick semi-detached houses with reasonably sized gardens. Richer and (ironically enough) newer feeling than New Basford
• Small industrial estate of relatively new buildings, has units to let
• Parks generally well used (this was on a sunny Sunday afternoon) especially Vernon Park
• Bobbers Hill/Whitemoor Picasa album
• Area bisected by A610 - major road between Notts city centre and M1
• Very small industrial estate. Some units to let, one derelict building.
• Park behind industrial estate and adjoining some houses fenced and locked up, inaccessible
• Houses on other side of main road relatively large semi-detached dwellings
• Area seems fairly affluent and welcoming, almost stereotypical 'leafy suburbia'

I will be mapping the walk, including my route and identified possible sites, soon. I also need to undertake a similar walk through Carrington, Sherwood and Mapperley, which will have to be early this week so I can get on with figuring out what my Intervention will be. 

P.S, Note to self: bring a teaspoon to the studio.

Update:
Been out walking around Carrington and Sherwood today. Same format as before:

• Carrington Picasa album
• Small industrial estate largely used, but other, older factory buildings empty. 
• Some evidence of disused spaces around Radburn layout housing
• Plenty of 3-storey brick terraces, but there are some larger houses with bigger gardens as well
• Sherwood Picasa album
• Area has a definite 'centre' around Mansfield Rd - first area I've visited to do so. This is based mainly around well-known shops but there are some smaller independent businesses (such as the 'Cookery Workshop') and plenty of pubs as well
• Houses further to north of area are bigger, sometimes gated, with large gardens. Roads are lined with trees. 
• Some evidence of old industry (the Samuel Hall) with associated terraces