This week we held our third meeting of the community panel, where we discussed a possible community hub, community garden and meanwhile uses of space
Together we noted the arrival of lots more students, a feel of more footfall on East Street recently (possibly due to summer/ warmer weather and more light), more litter/ fly tipping, new 25 bus route on Dalby Avenue, an increase in shoplifting and the improved play area at Windmill Hill City Farm.
We held lively discussions on meanwhile uses of space, the possibility of a community hub on East Street, and outdoor and in-between spaces.
Ideas for a community hub included:
Information/ signposting, low-cost well-being offerings, health services, a cafe, a play area, business incubation (maybe on a commission basis), co-working, a games hub, and pop-ups from larger organisations… and more.
Ideas for a community garden/ outdoor spaces included:
Discussion of greening alleyways and adding light for extra security, food growing activities, shade provision, raised beds on castor wheels, community workshops e.g. wildflower identification.
A discussion of meanwhile spaces (Willway Yard as a strong existing example) included:
Asking what are the pros and cons of people/ activities arriving and then leaving? We asked ourselves what kinds of things lend themselves to this e.g. pop up clothing by kilo sales, art gallery temporary exhibitions which rotate, opportunities for businesses to test ideas in a low-risk way. We wondered where they would go onto once the idea had been proven, where would they find permanent space?
Thank you to the Old Globe pub who provided a cosy venue for us, complete with delicious takeout pizza from Zena’s on West Street. The Old Globe has recently changed hands and is currently the only pub operating on East Street itself. One panel member noted that the Tuesday quiz night there is great fun.