Urban regeneration – 'Transforming Luton'
We have just completed a three year environmental project, grant funded by the Big Lottery through Luton Borough Council's 'Transforming Luton' Grant Scheme.
The project's aims were to improve and enhance a number of areas through environmental projects, working in close partnership with the communities in those areas.
Ten separate sites throughout the town were selected for improvements – these ranged from open spaces and allotment sites to schools and community centres – and by the end of the project we had worked with residents, schools, community centres and council officers, as well as the police, various contractors and other local organisations.
Practical tasks included planting trees and shrubs, designing and producing tile art and outdoor murals, and installing paths, benches and raised beds, and in much of this we were assisted – and were sometimes led – by the communities we were working in.
At the Wigmore Lane allotment site we created a community orchard with new benches, better paths and hundreds of new trees and 'whips', planted by local volunteers. As the site is situated next to the Someries Infants and Junior schools, the improvements have already proved a success with the schoolchildren who have joined us in activities such as treasure hunts, orienteering and making journey sticks.
We have transformed the outdoor areas around Saints Community Centre and the Centre for Youth and Community Development in Biscot, with a range of new features including murals, raised beds, trees and shrubs, new seating and improved access. Many of the tasks – from project design to practical works – were carried out with staff and users of the Centres who are now able to enjoy their improved surroundings.
There was a definite lack of green space for the staff and children of Denbigh Junior School before the project's arrival, but with the school's help we created three new outdoor areas for their use and enjoyment. There are now woodland and meadow areas that act as outdoor classrooms for a range of subjects from science and maths to art and geography, and a separate quiet reading area for the children to use in their own time.
The whole school – teachers and pupils – took part in painting tiles for a giant mural that now brightens up the reading area, and we also set up a Gardening Club who have painted and planted up pots of colourful flowers, and whose role it is (with adult supervision) to look after their new nature areas.
We also engaged community artists to work with young people on designing and painting outdoor wall murals at two of Luton's community centres – Saints and Farley Hill.
For further information, contact: Mike Fayers, mikef@bedsrcc.org.uk or tel: 01525 878140.
Read more info in this pdf.
[top]