Findings Arnold Circus
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KEY IDEAS
1 Many people commented that the space is untidy and unclean. It should be cleaned more regularly.
2 There is limited green space in the area. The ‘greenness’ should be preserved.
3 The Circus is hidden. Improved Signage would help let people know it’s there. On the flip side, ‘less is more’, the space is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered!
4 More bugs, more birds, less people!
5 The Railings should be replaced with safer ones.
6 A café would be very popular, especially on Sundays as there are so many market goers in the area.
7 ‘Don’t try and make it too contemporary. It’s a lovely piece of Victorian design, not a pastiche recreation.’ 2
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SUMMARY OF GOOD THINGS/ BAD THINGS WHAT WE DID NOW THERE’S A GOOD IDEA!
This consisted of 3 yellow and 3 red buckets, into which we asked people to write graded likes and dislikes about the Circus.
A gardening program arranged between Tower Hamlets and Friends of Arnold Circus. One ‘tier’ of planting could be maintained by Tower Hamlets in a way they see fit. The other ‘tier’ could be made available for the community to use – possibly as small allotments? A secure water tap somewhere in or close to the Circus.
“ WHAT WE ASKED “ What should change and what should remain? What is most loved? What is most hated?
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GOOD
events wild flowers green community history
Events Events held at the Circus are very popular, and were one of the first good things mentioned by many people. While those organised by FoAC were mentioned often, other more improvised, impromptu gatherings are also popular. Trees & Wildflowers – A Green Oasis in the City One of the most loved aspects of the Circus is the sense of greenery and nature that the trees and planting bring into an otherwise very urban feeling area. Nearly everyone we spoke to was keen that this would continue to be built upon (although there were people who had issues with the current arrangement). Most people find the current wildflower planting scheme very attractive, noting the seasonality of the flowers as well as the fact that they are native as positives, although not everyone feels it is the best choice for the Circus.
a full reality as of yet, this is still very important to them and is something they wish to see recognised, encouraged and built upon. Historic Nature of the Circus People are very fond of the Circus as a relic and example of old Victorian London, a step back in time. There were frequent calls for the improvements to be respectful of and in keeping with the period features of the Circus.
Sense of Community, Central Focus There is a sense among many people of the Circus as the central focal point of the community. Although this was frequently more of a vision of the potential that the Circus is beginning to fulfil, than
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BAD
disrepair no access security darkness gangs unkept dog mess
Maintenance The disrepair of the Circus causes much displeasure and disappointment amongst the community, and this is one of the key things they would like to see rectified.
that noise travels up at night from anyone on the Circus, disturbing the sleep and lives of those who live in the Estate.
Access This is a significant impediment to many peoples use of the circus, in particular to parents of young children, elderly and disabled people, and as such, was mentioned frequently. A resolution of this issue is of huge value to most people. Security/Drugs & Alcohol/Anti-Social Behaviour At night, the circus is dark & overgrown, and many people are wary of who might be on the Circus undetected. There is a significant problem with groups of substance abusers using the Circus as a base. Human faeces, urine smells, used condoms, needles & broken glass were all cited as being prevalent on the Circus, particularly at the bandstand level. Some people are also quite intimidated by the large groups of youths that frequently hang-out in and around the bandstand. It is for this reason that some people will only use the middle level of the Circus, as the top level is too unpleasant and intimidating. Still others avoid the area altogether once it gets dark, choosing instead to walk longer routes. The shape of the Circus and the Boundary Estate also means 8
Trees & Wildflowers – Dark, Wild & Unkempt Although there is much fondness for the greenery of the circus, many people feel the trees as they are now make it too dark. This is a problem both for a sense of security and for the general enjoyment of the space. Suggested solutions for this were varied, but included removing the largest trees (although this was rare) removing the mid-size trees and bushes, or continuing to trim all the trees and bushes at the current rate. Despite finding them attractive, many people do not feel that the wildflowers are appropriate for the circus, stating that they lack impact or are untidy when not at their peak. These people called for denser, neater and more consistent planting, closer to the ground – with the primary objective being an all-round, greener, more lush and colourful scheme. Dogs There were many complaints about dogs & dog owners. It was often stated that irresponsible dog-owners let them run free in the flowerbeds because they are railed-in, leading to damage to the planting and faeces left in the beds as well as around the Circus.
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ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
WHAT WE DID Inspired by the nearby hopscotch games, time coded tokens were placed on a grid on the ground, showing why, when and how often people wanted to use the circus. More uses could be added as the day went on.
“ WHAT WE ASKED “ How and when people would like to be able to use the circus?
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banDstand originally designed for music more events space for children quiet place place to eat
Music There is a very strong desire for the bandstand to be used for what it was originally designed: live music. Given the diversity within the community, there is a need to ensure that all the varied tastes in music are catered for – styles mentioned included: jazz, English folk, Bengali music, rap and hip-hop. Dancing was a popular idea. Other Events Nearly all sections of the community would like the Circus to continue to be a venue for community events and gatherings, both those organised by Friends of Arnold Circus’ and any others that local people might like to organise. These could be music events, or other types such as: • Film events • History events • Talks, readings etc • Theatre/performance events • A market • Fun-fairs/Carnival Children’s Playspace One of the first things that came to mind for most people was that the most important groups in the area are parents and young children. There was a feeling that in providing for them, this would 12
increase the use of the Circus, thus attracting other groups too. Swings and provision for riding on bikes and push-scooters were most frequently suggested, along with a range of other ideas such as hopscotch, tree swings, tree-climbing and a sculpted, decorated surface for children to play/clamber/invent games. Quiet Reading/ Relaxation Although not seen as very suitable for this at the moment, due mainly to the disrepair, dirt and intimidating people, there is a real feeling that the Circus has the potential to be a very pleasant and calming space to sit quietly. Some people also suggested creating a sensory garden to increase the restful nature of the space. Picnics/ Barbeques This was a popular suggestion amongst young and old alike. Some people want picnic benches and full barbeque facilities, while others would be happy with just some grass to lay blankets on. Games Table games such as carrom, chess, draughts etc were mentioned by some people. Perhaps picnic tables could double up as board-game tables? Or perhaps there’s an opportunity for some large-scale games on the ground? 13
Other Suggestions Included: Exercise: group classes Individual: tai chi Tree Climbing Unlikely, but fun! There were a number of more ambitious suggestions for spending time in and around the Circus, that although less likely to be implemented are important to mention to show the aspirations of the community. These include: ice-skating cocktail bar in a tree-house air balloon rides
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WHAT THEY SAID ELDERLY
If it becomes possible for the group to gain access to the circus, or if the bottom level is made in some way available to them, there was a desire to use the circus as a summer/outdoor setting for many of their group classes and also that there would be music in the circus to sit and enjoy. Suggested sessions included bingo, keep fit classes, arts & crafts and first aid courses, as well as a place to hold group discussions with tea and coffee. Seated table-top games such as chess, dominoes and cards were also suggested, as was that the circus should be a place for reading
YOUTH
The primary requirement of the group in terms of spending time at the circus was that it would be clean, modern, pleasant place to meet up without feeling unwelcome. They were keen that there would be more activities for them at the top, including music events, a graffiti wall of some sort, as well as opportunities for exercise including bike-riding.
PARENTS
The foremost wish of the parents was to have more facilities for young children. Their desire was for it to be colourful, green and inviting. Child safety was also very important – the railings are very dangerous at the moment. Soft surfaces for play were suggested. Activities and events that invite people into the space were suggested by a number of people, and that at other times it could be a nice place to sit and relax.
NOW THERE’S A GOOD IDEA! While allowing individual barbeques could obviously create litter problems and fire risks, perhaps it would be possible to provide facilities so that community groups could hold organised barbeques (perhaps a mobile grill that could be stored off-site, or a fixed one that could be locked up?).
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SEATING
WHAT WE DID Painted plastic chairs and big markers were the main tools of this activity, where we asked people to write or draw their ideas.
“ WHAT WE ASKED “ Where do people currently sit in the Circus? Is more seating needing in the circus? How much? What would it be? What shape, style, material etc? Where should it be? 18
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very important wood or metal portable for eating and games supportive shape grass area
Location/quantity Nearly everyone feels that more seating was needed throughout the Circus, on all levels. A number of people warned of going overboard; more than there are now, but not as many as are in old Victorian photographs of the Circus. Materials Opinion is very divided on the materiality of seating. Timber is popular with many - seen as durable, but cheap and easily replaceable, warm, attractive and importantly, environmentally friendly and sustainable. A number of people want the seating to be carved out of tree stumps. However, many others feel that timber is too easily damaged, in particular cut or burned, and that metal should be used, as it is more durable (and for some, because it was the traditional style) concrete is not popular as it is seen as cold and hard. Portable or fixed? During the sharing picnic, the movable seats were very popular. Over our time at the Circus, it has also become clear that there are already a number of benches not fixed to the ground that get moved around by people at the moment. Although the idea of movable seats was a popular one, there were concerns expressed about the security of them and the provision of storage. 20
Style/Design Opinion varied on whether the seating should be traditional or modern in style, but it was important to most people that it is respectful and in keeping with the Victorian style, although not to be a pastiche of what it once was. Frequent mention was made of vandalism and that chairs should be robust and either easily repaired or cheap to replace. It was also suggested that they should be designed so as to discourage homeless people sleeping on them. Swings, benches & picnic benches were the most popular seating types. During the Sharing Picnic, the lounger style of the deckchairs was also very popular. Armrests and backrests were specifically mentioned as require ments by the elderly, to aid getting up and down, and to provide support whille sitting down. Shelter over seating is an important feature for many, especially parents and youths. Other Seats The steps were also noted as a seating choice, especially for the gardening group who find they retain the heat of the sun. Grass was also called for as a surface on which people could come and sit, particularly in the summer.
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WHAT THEY SAID ELDERLY
Opinions on seating were very clear. There needed to be more benches all around the circus, including at the bottom. Armrests & backs were the most important features, to provide support both while sitting down and getting up and down. Wood was seen as vulnerable to vandalism, and concrete too cold, so metal was the preferred material.
YOUTHS
Seating was the next most commented on topic, with the general consensus being that more modern, sturdy benches are needed. The image of the circular benches was the most popular, with wood being the most popular material. However there were also comments that the benches should be metal and burn-proof. Requests were made by some for leather and heated seats! Shelter was frequently mentioned, with proposals for there to be canopies between the trees.
NOW THERE’S A GOOD IDEA! If vehicle access is closed round the circus, it becomes very easy for the local school to make a physical connection between it’s gates and the circus. This could be done on special occasions - sports days for example.
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LIGHTING
WHAT WE DID Ideas were written and drawn onto lampshades, while tokens were stuck onto a colour wheel to express preferences of colour for the bandstand and railings.
“ WHAT WE ASKED “ Is lighting needed in the circus? Why? Where should it be? What should it look like? What effect should it have?
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very important atmosphere security safety used for events lots needed
Purpose & Effect Security and safety was the most frequent reason cited for lighting. Currently, the street lighting all faces the road, with not enough facing into the circus. Others want it to allow for use late into the evening, especially in summer Frequently, people suggested that the Circus be lit dramatically and atmospherically, although there were many concerns about light shining into the windows of the homes on the estate. In general, most preferred atmospheric lighting scheme that has the potential to become dramatic for events and at particular times of the year such as Christmas or Eid.
Location The general consensus is that there should be gentle lighting throughout the Circus, with more at the top, as long as it doesn’t shine in the windows. Those who called for dramatic or atmospheric lighting wanted some in the trees and planting too.
Style The community are divided in their opinions on the style of light fixtures, some wanting contemporary ones, while others want something more traditional (not pastiche, but in keeping). The overarching feeling though is that the style of the lighting should suit the Circus. Colour choices were varied, but tended to gravitate more towards strong primary colours rather than neutral muted colours. Energy efficiency Solar-powered, energy efficient lighting is a high-priority for a significant number of people. 26
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WHAT THEY SAID
NOW THERE’S A GOOD IDEA!
ROCHELLE SCHOOL ARTISTS
More lighting is needed, with some suggestions that a very dramatic lightshow of powerful spotlights would be attractive from afar. It was noted that with all the artistic talent in the area, there were possibilities for outstanding lighting schemes to be designed (or indeed other elements of the street furniture).
YOUTH
Lighting was the topic most commented on by the youths, with everyone agreeing that more lighting was needed. For most, there was a wish for decorative lighting, in and around the planting and/or the bandstand. There were also a number of suggestions that there should be special lighting displays at special occasions such as Eid and Ramadan.
PARENTS
The style of the lighting is less important to most of the parents than the function – namely safety & security, although those who do have a preference want something more traditional and Victorian. Dramatic lighting is popular, but people are wary of it shining into their homes, so want it for special occasions.
Solar-powered, energy efficient lighting is a high-priority for a significant number of people.
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LOCAL HISTORY
WHAT WE DID A word game was the activity here, where people could write the story of the circus, and make a page of a book.
“ WHAT WE ASKED “ Should the history and current life of the circus be told/depicted in the designs? What should be shown? How? Where?
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unknown current past display history walk resident’s storIES
The Beginnings Of those that did know the history, it became clear that what was required was not only the story of the local area and it’s historic and social importance, but also that it should document the lives of the people who lived and are living in the area. Amongst the younger people, there are a lot of stories about the old graveyard and secret passageways, which fascinated them. Many people felt that the origins of the Circus from the Old Nichol rubble was important to commemorate. Immigration, Change & Struggle A topic that was important to some of the older people was the struggles of those who immigrated over the past century, and for younger people, the changing face of the area more recently. WWII Also important to older people are the stories of the area during the war: the bombing of Calvert Avenue, the participation of local people in the war and the memory of those who were lost.
Attitudes to documenting life in the circus now focussed on a number of areas: • the Circus’s role as a green oasis in the city. • the Circus’s role as the centre of a vibrant and changing community. • this was also seen as an opportunity to indicate the aspirations for the place saying how the area should be, not just how it is.
Location/Display Various suggestions were made as to how and where these ideas could be portrayed, including: • Mural panels in/on the bandstand or on the railings at ground level were a frequent suggestion • Others called for simple plaque mosaics on the ground were also a popular idea, some suggesting a timeline, others suggesting a ‘history walk’ as you climb the levels of the circus.
Modern Times/ Looking Forward A lot of people wanted there also to be a positive focus on the area now, that it’s a vibrant, community space and a green haven in the city. The changing relationship with the City is also a strong topic. 32
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NOW THERE’S A GOOD IDEA! Stories that reflect the local history could be told through artist commissioned paving stones. This could spiral out from the middle and tell stories from history to present day. Benches that tell stories of the history of the area. These would be made with young and old people from the community, reflecting the changing faces of the Circus.
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PLANTS & ANIMALS
WHAT WE DID Paper birds and leaves decorated the trees in the circus, onto which people had drawn and written their comments.
“ WHAT WE ASKED “ How do people view the current state of the planting? Are there problems with it? What do they like? What don’t they like? How could it be improved?
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large trees darkness from trees bright flowers seasonality maintenance FOOD PRODUCTION
Trees The large old trees are generally very popular, mainly owing to their age and size, although a few people suggested removing them and planting new young trees to increase the light that gets into the circus. The mid-sized trees are seen by many as being the main cause of much of the problems of visibility and light, being quite overbearing and unkempt. These seem to be the ones most frequently suggested for removal. However the berries provide food for many birds and creatures, supporting the bio-diversity of the site, which is popular. Flowers Nearly everyone certainly wanted bright and colourful flowers to brighten up the circus; some were specific about wanting native wild flowers, while others were content as long as there were attractive flowers to brighten up the atmosphere of the Circus. The wildflowers are loved by most people, particularly when they are in bloom. Their staggered seasonality is also popular. Some love the body of colour, some love the wild wispyness. However there is a body of opinion that feels that in the leadup to and aftermath of the blossoms they do not improve the appearance of the circus. These people feel that perhaps something more dense and more permanent would have more impact. 38
There were a few suggestions that a sensory garden could be created around the circus. Grass This was a frequent request for a number of reasons such as providing informal places to sit on, lay picnic blankets on etc but also to further add to the overall sense of lush greenness to the Circus. Concerns were raised however that enough sunlight gets in to dry the grass in summer Food Production There were suggestions by a number of people that they would like to be able to grow edible flowers and vegetables in the circus. Maintenance There were complaints of a disregard for the flowers - the park cleaners blow the leaves into the beds, and people let their dogs loose within the railings without cleaning up their mess.
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WHAT THEY SAID PARENTS
In general, those questioned want a more structured planting scheme that is full of greenery and colour. Grass is wanted, but not everywhere, as hard-surfaces are seen as useful too. There were calls for the Circus’ ground level to be made part of the Gardens, with grass all around and railings removed.
ROCHELLE SCHOOL ARTISTS
Nature and the planting are very important, with calls for the mid-sized trees and bushes to be kept because they are good for birds. There was also a request for one large compost bin, and for dogs to be banned. Maintenance is important. People commented that the rubbish is not collected often enough, and that the cleaners blow the dirt into the flowerbeds. There were requests for more bins.
ELDERLY
Although the group felt that while the wild flowers were lovely, and loved their continuity and variety over the seasons, most felt that they lacked impact, and perhaps a scheme of planting that was neater, denser and lower to the ground would be better. Comments were also made that local kids regularly damage the flowers.
NOW THERE’S A GOOD IDEA! There was also a desire for a community gardening scheme, which many people seemed keen to get involved in.
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SECURITY & ACCESS
WHAT WE DID We took to the streets of Shoreditch to hear why and when people used Arnold Circus as a place to have their lunch, if they used it. Placing ourselves in strategic locations on Brick Lane, Shoreditch High St and, of course, on the Circus itself, and armed with treats to lure rushing workers, we asked them to write or draw their thoughts on paper plates.
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dirty smelly unsafe maintenance security lighting access surfaces
Why? Of those questioned who work within 5 minutes walk of Arnold Circus, only 15% use it in any way regularly for their lunch break, despite the fact that 53% regularly spend their lunchbreak in public parks/spaces. This was mainly put down to the fact that Arnold Circus is seen as dirty, smelly and unsafe. There are regularly people drinking and taking drugs in the circus, and their presence intimidates people. Even in their absence, the mess and smell left behind does not make it somewhere that people feel they can relax. It was also mentioned that due to the darkness and heavy planting somewhat concealing the exits, a sense that it can be difficult to ‘escape’ from if needed added to the sense of intimidation. Maintenance Maintenance of the park was felt to be inadequate by many, with complaints primarily about the poor state of repair of the bandstand and railings. Graffiti was also a problem. Security There were some requests for better security, including gates, cameras and police patrols. A small number of people suggested the circus should be a locked at night, but this was not a view expressed by many. 44
Access problems The other main reasons for not using the circus were due to the lack of benches, access problems (stairs too steep, no way to get buggies up). Seating was a high priority. Most people did not feel the need to specify what type of seating, but those who did listed comfort, maintenance and materials as being of importance. Lighting There was general consensus that the circus needed more lighting, primarily for security reasons, with one comment that this was the most important thing to be changed in the circus. Signage & Advertising Some people suggested that the Circus isn’t very well known by those not directly local to it, and that it would be better used if the Circus itself was better promoted and indicated and if events were more widely promoted. However, more signage might clash with other people’s love of the Circus as a quiet haven hidden away, and certainly with those who feel that the Circus should be for Boundary Estate residents only.
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WHAT THEY SAID ELDERLY
Access to the Circus was the main impediment to local elderly people with the steps proving too steep for many of them to climb. There was a desire that the base level of the circus should be made as much a part of the circus as possible. YOUTH
Crime prevention and security were important to many amongst the group. There were a number of calls for a stronger police presence around the circus, including a suggestion that patrolling mounted police be best, both for security, and also as a way to appeal to young people. It was felt that efforts should be made to speak to the youth about crime. The group were very clear in their belief that the Circus should not be locked at night, as this would make it a more intimidating place. PARENTS
Access is a big problem for all. Some feel a buggy park would help a little. Security was an issue for most of the parents, with some having suspicions that the drug dealers who had previously left the area have come back.
NOW THERE’S A GOOD IDEA! A food project that brings young people and The Rochelle School together. The Canteen restaurant could offer a day’s experience for a select group of young people from St Hilda’s. The food produced would be sold in a Café set up in the middle of the circus on the weekend as a joint venture between the young people and Rochelle. If successful the event could become a regular project.
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A FEW MORE THINGS TO CONSIDER Water Water fountains/points were frequently suggested, both for drinking water and to provide water for gardening in the Circus Electricity In order to hold events, some sort of permanent but secure power supply was suggested by a number of people.
This desired maintenance included everything from standard cleaning and tidying of the Circus, to regular maintenance of the planting and trees, to repairs to the structure and make-up of the Circus as and when it is needed. There were calls for a repair plan such as yearly or 5-yearly assessments and repairs, rather than leaving the Circus fall into disrepair again. Bicycle Racks
Toilets Most people feel that generally, during the events when Rochelle School make their toilets available, then this is adequate. However, outside of these times, there are no toilets, and this is found to be problematic by some. Food/Refreshments There were many calls for a kiosk, van or stall selling coffee/ sandwiches/ice-cream either in the bandstand or at the bottom which could be a permanent fixture or regularly visiting van.
Decoration Suggestions were made that the surfaces be decorated with different colours and shapes to encourage children to use their imaginations to make up stories and games. There were also calls from many of the young people to be able to have ‘cool pictures’ or their names on the surfaces. Colour Although lots of different colours were chosen, there was a clear preference for strong deep colours for the railings and the bandstand.
Maintenance Concerns were expressed that while it is fantastic that the Circus is being renovated, money must be retained to ensure that it is properly maintained or else it will have been a waste of time.
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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
chair design graffitti wall gardening events performances all by the community
Street Furniture Design Many people asked for local youth and children to be involved in the design of seating and street furniture for the circus, ensuring community participation and a sense of ownership of the space. Children and teenagers themselves called for opportunities to decorate and write their names on seats and surfaces, to stamp their identity on them. Perhaps there’s an opportunity to go further and allow them to design them. This could also provide an opportunity for a citizenship project of some sort, by get them to think about the requirements of other groups around the community. There were calls from The Friends of Arnold Circus that given the recognisable and understandable budget and time constraints on the works, standard seating and bins could be fitted. And these fixtures would allow locally designed fittings to be installed at a later date following community design programs. There were suggestions that the artists from Rochelle could be involved in the design of lighting, lighting schemes and/or the seating etc
suggested that a graffiti wall would be a good idea. Perhaps this could even be a ground surface rather than a specific wall? Gardening The existing gardening group have called for water to be made available to them, and for dogs to be banned because they damage young and delicate plants. There is also a wish for a single large compost heap. There were suggestions that the beds be made available to the school for a growing/ planting scheme for the children, either for flowers, or as some suggested, edible flowers and/or vegetables. Performances Lots of people want the bandstand to be a place for local groups to perform - be it music, dancing or theatre. The bandstand is seen as a stage that allows for participation by people of all cultures, ages and backgrounds, with different performances for all the varied tastes of those of the area (for example, teens MCing, groups playing Bengali music, English folk music, jazz, poetry, theatre).
Graffiti Wall The call by a number of the young people for opportunities to decorate the space suggests that an opportunity to do sanctioned graffiti would be very welcome, and a number of adults also 50
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NEXT STEP
Given the various constraints that apply to renovating a space such as Arnold Circus, there is bound to be a level of disappointment when only a portion of the ideas put forward are taken forward. With this in mind, we have put forward a proposal for a documentary that allows members of the Arnold Circus community to interview some of the key people involved in the build. This will help the public understand some of the challenges involved in renovating the space. The details of the proposal are as follows: An insightful and engaging film made with the local residents that explores the process of restoring and improving the space. The five minute film will complete the consultation process by providing a detailed insight into how the community’s opinions and aspirations have translated into the new design for the space. It will be made from the residents point of view, involving them in interviewing key people, from the planners to the designers right through to the JCB driver!
It will result in a film that not only documents best practice consultation but the entire build process also. It will demonstrate the councils commitment to acting on the community’s recommendations, and where not possible it will explain why. The film will involve key representatives of the community that we have engaged during the consultation process. Amongst these are The Friends of Arnold Circus, local parents and children, teenagers and elderly residents. The residents will appear in front of the camera, interviewing planners, designers and builders. Some of these interviews will take place in the various offices involved round the borough, whilst some will be conducted on the Circus as it is developed. Bold Creative will provide all residents involved, Tower Hamlets will be expected to arrange times and locations for interviews with key members of the build team. All interviews will be as low impact to the on going work as possible. Tower Hamlets will have full editorial control over the content used in the film.
It will involve the community in aspects of the design and build that traditionally occur behind closed doors. 52
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ABOUT BOLD CREATIVE
Bold Creative is a vibrant Social Innovations and Youth Communications Consultancy established in 2004. We employ a unique user-centred approach to develop innovative communication solutions to engage hard to reach groups. Our focus is to create community communications solutions across all media. What drives us is our ability to create innovative work that tests new, creative ways to engage, inspire, educate and unlock the true potential of people. Our track record in participatory media, production, design and digital uniquely enables us to achieve very specific social and educational aims. The main focus of our business has been working with young people and adolescents to address the common issues which affect them daily. Using community engagement and design methodologies we have successfully consulted with and developed tools for a broad range of communities.
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