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Perception AREA: Snapshot
Beverley and Patricia used creative methods of engagement including the installation in the park of a full size layout plan of one of the neighbouring flats, where they hosted coffee mornings, bingo afternoons, a garden party, and filmed, recorded and photographed local people. This work resulted in an Open House Interactive Website incorporating moving image, sound and text, used to inform the developing masterplan.
Perception AREA: Placemaking
During the second stage, GHP, working with HTA Architects, developed Perception AREA: Placemaking, a new method of creative consultation which can inform the masterplanning process throughout.
Building on the successful community engagement of the first stage, informal events for key groups were led by artist Beverley Carpenter at key stages of the masterplanning process.
The events were held with four key groups: young mothers, young people, local residents and town centre users to open an ongoing dialogue about usage and perceptions which has been informing the developing design.
With additional help from CABE Space, the team interpreted the findings of the Snapshot consultation and Placemaking events into the masterplan design, informing the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Parks for People bid, and a comprehensive management plan for the park.
Stevenage Borough Council sponsored the production of an accompanying publication that demonstrates the community's involvement and direct impact on the design choices.
The Town Centre Gardens masterplanning document
“The plans were drawn up after extensive consultation with local residents and with those people who use the park. We have taken their comments on board and we feel confident that our plans will provide a facility which everyone can enjoy”, said Cllr John Gardner, Deputy Leader of the Council, Stevenage Borough Council
Implementation: Phase 1
The Northern area of the park has been completely transformed: some of the existing vandalised or diseased trees have been replaced by 21 new semi-mature Oak trees. In addition, a new central footpath has been built, along with a new 400 metre circular jogging track.
As the first stage of redevelopment reached an end in Spring 2008, local people were invited to continue their involvement by participating in three Volunteer Days, supported by Stevenage Homes. Jude Allen of BTCV, an environmental volunteering organisation, worked with a group of students from North Herts College with moderate learning disabilities. They helped with key tasks of clearing overgrowth and planting bulbs and wild flowers that will flower in spring and summer.
Unique new signage based on the unique style of the 1950s lettering used for the Festival of Britain is to be introduced in Stevenage Town Centre Gardens. The new polished concrete signs will be a smart and attractive addition to the park, helping to make the park a more user friendly space to enjoy.
Stage II: HLF Preparations
Artist Simon Grennan engaged with over 120 Stevenage residents over the summer, focusing on finding out what activities and events people want to see in their gardens. He also asked whether people would be interested in being involved in voluntary activities.
North Herts College students with Simon Grennan.
Photo: Tania Coates
As a result of this exercise, a small group of individuals was identified to run a community fun day in the park to test demand for a community led event. This was held on 31st August with 9 community group stalls and attracted 350 people.
Simon said: “A whole range of people have said that they want to participate in the future development of the Garden, both in terms of its physical maintenance and growth and also in terms of the types of things that might happen there, from organised play for little ones, games and competitions, through to soothing music events with a sit down and a cup of tea”.
Good feedback was received that will support future plans, providing evidence to Stevenage Borough Council of the level of demand for events and activities in the park, as well as the commitment of community groups to participate and share the burden of organisation. This is a significant step forward for the project and the Borough. The community’s feedback and information was also included in the Heritage Lottery Fund submission. The outcome of this application will be known in April 2009.
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Dave Wells, Strategic Development Officer, Stevenage Borough Council said:
“With the current emphasis on community involvement, and the statutory requirement to consult the public on pretty much anything, there is a real danger of some communities getting 'consultation burn-out', and so an approach like GHP’s that really engaged the community without them feeling they were part of just another consultation exercise seemed pivotal for getting a true reflection of how they valued their park” |
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The masterplanning
publication was Commended in the Communications & Presentations section of the 2007 Landscape Institute Awards, a prestigious award ceremony which aims to encourage and recognise outstanding examples in landscape design.
The judges said, “The highly executed design of the project and its clever way of capturing and presenting feedback was commended by all jurors”.
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