Gowkthrapple Community Engagement
Final Report by
IronsideFarrar 111 McDonald Road Edinburgh EH7 4NW 7320 / February 2010
Contents Executive Summary Organisation Involved 1.0
Introduction
1.1 2.0
Background and Context Best Practice
2.1 3.0
Best Practice Approach Public Consultations
3.1
Gowkthrapple Greenspace Network Consultation Event
3.2
Gowkthrapple Greenspace Consultation Comments
3.3
Gowkthrapple Allotment and Community Park Consultation Event
3.4
Gowkthrapple Allotment and Community Park Consultation Comments
3.5
Consultation event at Clyde Valley High School
3.6
Consultation event at Clyde Valley High School Comments
3.7
Allershaw Tower, Tea Party Consultation Event
3.8
Allershaw Tower, Tea Party Consultation Event Comments
3.9 4.0
Gowkthrapple Community Hub Site Start and Consultation Morning Summary
Appendix 1 – Gowkthrapple Greenspace Network Consultation Boards and Community Feedback. Appendix 2 – Gowkthrapple Allotments and Community Park Consultation Boards and Community Feedback. Appendix 3 – Consultation event at Clyde Valley High School. Appendix 4 – Allershaw Tower, Tea Party Consultation Event, Consultation Boards and Community Feedback Appendix 5 – Gowkthrapple Community Hub Site Start and Consultation Morning, Consultation Boards.
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Executive Summary The regeneration of Gowkthrapple is a key priority project for North Lanarkshire Council (NCL). Having developed The Gowkthrapple Regeneration Masterplan and Gowkthrapple Green Network Strategy, NCL and its partners seek to promote a series of long term, sustainable changes to the living standards, place qualities and opportunities for communities A vital and important part of the regeneration process is community involvement. The Gowkthrapple Regeneration Group, a community led group that represented the Gowkthrapple residential community attended at all meetings and events for the development of the masterplan. However following the masterplan the regeneration group have disbanded due to a number of reasons including the demolition of a number of residential towers in Gowkthrapple. The break up of this group have led NLC and it’s partners to develop more imaginative ways of engaging the community in the design process. This study is a record of the community consultation events that occurred in Gowkthrapple between February 2008 and November 2009. The consultation events were all developed in line with the 10 standards of community engagement developed by Communities Scotland. After each consultation event the consultation process has been analysed and reviewed, especially if the consultation event had a low turnout. This has enabled Ironside Farrar, North Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Government, Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership and Garrion People’s Housing Co-operative to develop a framework that can be used to deliver more successful consultation events and involve a wider cross section of the community.
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Organisations Involved Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership, Brings together the eight regional local authorities, Scottish Government, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Glasgow Centre for Population Health. The Partnership’s vision is “a transformed environment, which improves lives and communities and lets business flourish”. Scottish Government, The devolved government for Scotland is responsible for most of the issues of day-to-day concern to the people of Scotland, including health, education, justice, rural affairs, and transport. The Scottish Government’s purpose is “To focus government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth”. North Lanarkshire Council, Our mission is to put Service and People First. That means NLC will provide high quality, efficient and effective services for everyone. NLC will deliver real benefits to the people of North Lanarkshire. Those benefits will include good quality housing; a safe and pleasant environment; the very best employment; education and training opportunities; caring and co-ordinated support and health services; and attractive and varied leisure and cultural facilities.
Garrion People’s Housing Co-operative, Are a community based Housing Co-operative operating in the Gowthrapple area of Wishaw. The Co-operative owns over 200 properties in Wishaw for general needs and also sheltered accommodation. It is registered with Communities Scotland Registration No. HAC 226.
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Introduction 1.1
1.0
Background & Context
Since 2006 Ironside Farrar have been commissioned to carry out a number of projects in Gowkthrapple By North Lanarkshire Council and associated stakeholders. In 2006 Ironside Farrar were commissioned jointly by North Lanarkshire Council, Communities Scotland and Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire to develop a Strategic Masterplan for Gowkthrapple and the Garrion Business Park. During the development of the Strategic masterplan the Gowkthrapple Regeneration Group played an important and active role in assisting in the development of the regeneration strategy. The Gowkthrapple Regeneration Group were a community led group that represented the Gowkthrapple residential community and were represented at all community meetings, Client Working Group meetings and public consultations. The Group enabled Ironside Farrar to understand the expectations of the local community and enabled us to develop through consultation a regeneration strategy appropriate for Gowkthrapple that met the needs of the local community and built on the strengths and positive attributes of the estate. The Regeneration Group worked closely with NLC/ Communities Scotland/ Garrion People’s Housing Co-operative and other special user groups within the community including the Castlehill Primary School Head Teacher, Local Police, Local Retailer, Community Hall manager and current landowners, occupiers and partner organisations. Following the 2006 strategic masterplan report the Gowkthrapple Regeneration group have since disbanded and more imaginative public consultation have had to be developed to engage the community. Ironside Farrar were subsequently commissioned by North Lanarkshire Council in November 2006 following the issue of the Strategic Masterplan report with approval from Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership to develop a Greenspace and Green Network project at Gowkthrapple, North Lanarkshire. The project was proposed by North Lanarkshire Council in response to a brief issued by the Green Network Partnership’s Stronger Communities Group. The brief invited partners to propose projects that would demonstrate a strategic approach to development of the Green Network in urban renewal, community growth or urban expansion areas, as identified in the 2006 GCV Structure Plan. Following the release of the final Gowkthrapple Greenspace and Green Network study report by Ironside Farrar, the focus is the development and support for delivery of a management and development programme that will deliver and secure for the long term a network of high quality greenspaces across Gowkthrapple. In February 2009 North Lanarkshire Council commissioned Ironside Farrar to develop a number of projects following the Greenspace and Green Network Study Report, these included an Allotment Feasibility Study and a study into improvements for the Community Park area. In addition to this Ironside Farrar were commissioned In March 2009 by North Lanarkshire Council on behalf of the project Steering Group (comprised of representatives from North Lanarkshire Council, Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership, Garrion People’s Housing Co-operative and the Scottish Government) to undertake a series
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of community engagement consultation events in Gowkthrapple as part of the ongoing programme of community consultation and engagement in the delivery of the Green Network. This document is a record of the more imaginative consultation events developed in the absence of the Gowkthrapple Regeneration Group to involve the community in the design process at each stage. Community engagement in Gowkthrapple has also had to overcome additional issues associated with the demolition works. The demolition works resulted in the relocation of a large proportion of the community that could have been actively involved in the design process. The document includes a review of the feedback received from the community and analyzes the consultation process at each stage to develop a successful framework that can be used for future consultation events at Gowkthrapple and North Lanarkshire. 1.2
Study Objectives
The purpose of this commission is to organise, develop and record a series of community engagement events/ workshops that will build upon the work carried out since 2008 as part of the Greensapce and Green Network Study and to report back to the community on the outcomes of the previous community consultations. At each stage the consultation events will be reviewed enabling more successful public consultations to be developed in line with the 10 standards for Community Engagement Developed by Communities Scotland. Consultations carried out in Gowkthrapple: •
21st February 2008 a ‘design day’ consultation event organised by North Lanarkshire Council and the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership. A number of consultation venues were used throughout the day to ensure a broad spectrum of local residents were consulted; to extend the consultation exercise beyond the usual represented groups and active local residents; and to capture a wide cross section of interests.
•
28th March 2009 at the Gowkthrapple Community Centre. A Public Event Day held at the Gowkthrapple Community Centre and organised by Garrion People’s Housing Co-operative. At this event we consulted the community on the Allotments and the Community Park study for Gowkthrapple. We also updated the community on the outcomes of the Greenspace and Green Network Study. The consultation event was held outside the community centre where a number of activities were taking place. This enabled us to capture the views and comments from a wider spectrum of the community.
•
23rd June 2009 at Clyde Valley High School, consultation with a group of school children and teenagers who live in Gowkthrapple on what they would like to see in their park and updated them on the outcomes of the Greenspace and Green Network Study.
•
23rd June 2009 at Allershaw Tower, consultation on the main objectives for the shared garden at Allershaw Tower and to update the residents on the Allotment study, Community Park and the outcomes of the Greenspace and Green Network Study. This consultation event was almost a social event for the residents and held in the form of a tea party to encourage the residents to participate.
•
6th November at Gowkthrapple Community Centre and Hub site start to update the residents on consultations carried out to date and to update them on the
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development proposals for the Community Park, Community Allotments, masterplan for Gowkthrapple and the main outcomes of the Greenspace and Green Network Study. This study can be used to create more successful community consultations and engagements associated with the Green Network delivery including additional work on: •
Gowkthrapple Community Allotments
•
Gowkthrapple Community Park & Playspace
•
Gowkthrapple Signage, Interpretation & Public Arts
•
Any future programmes associated with the Hub and ‘Place-making’
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Best Practice 2.1
2.0
Best Practice Approach
To achieve the maximum impact from community consultation and engagement in Gowkthrapple the National Standards for Community Engagement developed by Communities Scotland should be used in both formal and informal engagement. There are 10 standards that seek to develop engagement events which will have the potential to encourage large numbers of people to participate and contribute to the design process. The 10 standards are: •
Involvement: We will identify and involve the people and organisations who have an interest in the focus of engagement.
•
Support: We will identify and overcome any barriers to involvement
•
Planning: We will gather evidence of the needs and available resources and use this evidence to agree the purpose, scope and timescale of the engagement and the actions to be taken.
•
Methods: We will agree and use methods of engagement that are fit for purpose.
•
Working together: We will agree and use clear procedures that enable the participants to work with one another effectively and efficiently.
•
Sharing Information: we will ensure that necessary information is communicated between the participants.
•
Working with others: We will work effectively with others with an interest in the engagement.
•
Improvement: We will develop actively the skills, knowledge and confidence of all the participants.
•
Feedback: We will feed back the results of the engagement to the wider community and agencies affected.
•
Monitoring and Evaluating: We will monitor and evaluate whether the engagement achieves its purpose and meets the national standards for community engagement.
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Consultations 3.1
3.0
Gowkthrapple Greenspace and Green Network Consultation Event
On 21st February 2008 a day long consultation ‘Design Day’ event was organised by North Lanarkshire Council and Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership to discuss and better understand the local issues, perceptions, needs and aspirations of residents for regeneration of the Gowkthrapple Estate. As core elements of the next phase of regeneration at Gowkthrapple the consultation focused on: •
Development of the Green Network To provide a coordinated Design Brief for investment, implementation and management of greenspace assets within new and existing housing areas and their connection to the wider South Wishaw and Clyde Valley areas.
•
Development of the Community Hub Providing for local convenience retail, multi-use community space and ancillary offices and workspaces providing a new facility and centre for the community.
The Exhibition consisted of 14 A1 colour Participatory Boards seeking comment; a Community Hub model; Numerous Air Photos & Plans; and a Questionnaire based on the Boards. In line with the 10 National Standards and to ensure as many people from as many backgrounds were consulted, three consultation events were organised at: •
The Community Centre 11am - 1pm, this event ‘piggy-backed’ on the Gowkthrapple Café Club that meet on a Thursday morning in the community centre. The residents who attended came from Gowkthrapple, Overtown & Pather, also at this venue was a group of special needs children from Castlehill Primary School who use the café facility as part of their learning programme. Attendance at this venue was high with approximately 30 people at the community centre contributing and being involved in the project.
•
The foyer at Allershaw Tower 1.30 - 2.30pm, most of the residents of Allershaw Tower are elderly with limited mobility. By setting up a consultation event with exhibition boards and questionnaires in the foyer of the Tower the elderly residents were able to comment and respond to the issues that they encounter relating to the greenspaces in the immediate vicinity. A number of residents attended this event, however turnout was fairly low and most comments were from people leaving and arriving at the tower.
•
The reception area at Castlehill Primary School 3 - 4.30pm, Castlehill Primary School is located in the centre of Gowkthrapple. The consultation here was intended to enable parents and school children to contribute to the green space network strategy. This event also enabled parents who work while their children are at school to contribute to the greenspace network when collecting their children at the end of the day. Due to timing this event with the end of the school day the consultation event had a fairly large turnout with approximately 20 people being actively involved in the consultation with more reading the boards to find out about the project.
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•
In addition to these events a member of Ironside Farrar was in Gowkthrapple with questionnaires based on the exhibition boards inviting comments and responses from people at bus stops, the shop (now closed) or from people just walking through Growkthrapple. These people were not at the event venues and their thoughts on greenspace would have been missed. This enabled as wide a spectrum of the community to contribute their ideas and comments.
In general, attendance at this day long event was good and those who attended the events were enthusiastic and committed to their neighbourhood. The feedback generated was positive with the desire for change in Gowkthrapple being evident. By taking the consultation event to a number of locations and venues within Gowkthrapple a wider range of people were consulted, some of whom would not have had the opportunity to add their views and comments to the design process. 3.2
Gowkthrapple Greenspace and Green Network Consultation Event Comments.
In summary the discussion at the Public Consultation highlighted a number of concerns and issues that were seen as being significant and in need of remedy, these were incorporated into the greenspace network: •
Play, sports and recreation facilities are required / seen as needing to be improved with additional seating areas and areas that feel safe for children to play in.
•
Community gardens and Allotments are a good idea, but maintenance is a potential concern.
•
Security is perceived as an issue with most paths feeling unsafe especially at night, improved footpath lighting is seen as a priority.
•
The majority of people would like to have a front and back garden with space to park a car.
•
Better greenspaces such as parks and play areas with better seating are important and should be incorporated into the green space network. Better facilities for outdoor active sports and kick about areas are also desirable.
•
Making the new HUB central to the new community is seen as necessary with facilities for the community to be contained within e.g. shop, cash machine.
•
Play spaces that can cater for all age ranges, floral displays and safe attractive recreation spaces are missing elements within the existing greenspace network at Gowkthrapple.
In general the main concern was safety and the feeling of safety within Gowkthrapple’s path and green space network. It was highlighted that suitable equipped play areas and recreation areas are currently lacking from Gowkthrapple, especially for teenagers. Full consultation feedback and consultation boards are enclosed in Appendix 1.
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3.3
Gowkthrapple Allotment & Community Park Consultation Event
On 28th March 2009 a consultation event was held outside the Community Centre in Gowkthrapple, this event was held alongside the Community Fun Day organised by Garrion People’s Housing Co-operative. The consultation event was organised to discuss and understand the local issues, perceptions, needs and aspirations of residents for allotments and for the Community Park. The Exhibition, in line with the 10 national standards consisted of 3 A1 colour Participatory Boards seeking comments arranged outside the Community Centre with gardening tools, grow bags, plants and vegetables to create a scene that reflected the consultation topic.
By creating a small event outside the Community Centre located where people were entering and exiting raised interest in what we were doing. This initiated a dialogue with residents as they entered and left the building, creating debate and interest in the Allotments and Community Garden projects. We feel that the small event raised interest within the community in what was happening and not only initiated a dialogue but encouraged more people to come and to see what we were doing outside the community centre with plants, watering cans, gardening tools and a wheelbarrow. A wider cross section of the community became involved in the consultation event contributing their ideas and comments to the design process. This extended the consultation process beyond a small group of active residents and groups who would normally attend a traditional consultation event. This event was also used to provide feedback to the community on the main outcomes of the Greenspace and Green Network ‘design day’ consultation held on 21st February 2008 in line with the 10 standards developed by Communities Scotland.
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3.4
Gowkthrapple Allotment & Community Park Consultation Event Comments.
Prior to this consultation event Ironside Farrar identified a preferred area that could potentially become allotments. At the event this location was highlighted on the exhibition boards and was supported by those members of the community in attendance. In summary, feedback for the Allotments and Community Park comprised of: •
There is a high level of support for allotments to be sited within Gowkthrapple, most residents who showed an interest wish to have either their own allotment or share one and would actively participate in the allotment society.
•
A mixture of small, medium and large plots is a good idea and provides a range of commitment levels for various ability levels and groups.
•
Most people use the existing park but do not feel that it is a safe place to let their children play.
•
Most people would like to see better and more suitable play equipment that is more adventurous with slides, swings and climbing frames with areas that are for younger and older children respectively.
•
It was highlighted again that there are no facilities for teenagers, a youth shelter, suitable recreation space for ball games & kick abouts is missing and that a small sports/ football pitch is desirable.
•
That the existing community gardens are poorly used, locked and that the tall fences and gates discourage use by the community. In general the consultation event was a success attended by approximately 20-30 people with a wide cross section of residents attending and more reading the boards as they entered and left the community centre. Those in attendance were positive about potential physical improvements in Gowkthrapple and were keen to see allotments and an improved play area in Gowkthrapple.
Full consultation feedback and consultation boards are attached in Appendix 2
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3.5
Consultation Event at Clyde Valley High School.
On 23rd June 2009 Ironside Farrar consulted a small group of 3 teenagers who live in Gowkthrapple and attend Clyde Valley High to assess what their needs are within the greenspace network and Community Park. By visiting the High School and discussing potential projects the comments and ideas of the older children and teenagers can be incorporated into the design process. It is unlikely that older children and teenagers would choose to attend a traditional public consultation event so to involve and engage the school children we developed a method of engagement that was fit for purpose. Earlier consultations highlighted that facilities for older children and teenagers are lacking in Gowkthrapple, teenagers feel that they do not have any facilities for them. From these consultations Ironside Farrar developed a pallet of elements and facilities suitable for teenagers and illustrated these on A4 boards. Attached to these items were price tags and the group of teenagers were given a fictional budget and asked to choose what they would spend the money on. The elements and facilities on the A4 boards included: •
A Youth Shelter with a cost of £15,000
•
Equipment that teenagers can use to ‘hang out’ with friends £ 15,000
•
Exercise equipment £15,000
•
A Multi-Use Games Area £30,000
The older children and teenagers present were then given a budget of £50,000 and told they can spend all of it, part of it or none of it and choose what they want to see in Gowkthrapple’s greenspace network. 3.6
Consultation Event at Clyde Valley High School, Comments.
The school children decided to ‘spend’ the budget on a multi-use games area or MUGA and a youth shelter, if enough money was left over they would choose the basket swing from the equipment that they can use to ‘hang out’ with friends on. This event engaged a sector of the community that would not attend a traditional consultation event; we used a consultation method appropriate for the type of consultation and engaged a group that could have been left out of the design process for the greenspace network of Gowkthrapple. Full consultation feedback and photos are in Appendix 3.
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3.7
Allershaw Tower Garden, Tea Party Consultation Event.
On 23rd June 2009 Ironside Farrar held a consultation event in the form of a Tea Party in the community flat at the base of Allershaw Tower in Gowkthrapple. This event was designed to maximise and encourage residents of Allershaw Tower to get together and discuss what they would like to see in the garden space around the tower. The event created an opportunity to provide feedback and outcomes from previous consultation events as well as to provide an update on the progress of the greenspace network to date. At this event two consultation boards were on display and used in the initial presentation, one on the outcomes of the Greenspace network consultation and one on the garden space at Allershaw Tower as well as a questionnaire and a comments book for residents to record their comments in. The consultation event, in the form of a social tea party with tea, coffee and cakes on offer to the residents and held in the kitchen of the community flat where there were tables and chairs that could be used. The Event was a success and attended by approximately 15-20 residents some of whom would not normally attend a public consultation due to mobility issues. Most of the residents of Allershaw Tower are elderly, some with limited mobility and would not be able to attend a consultation event elsewhere in Gowkthrapple. By holding the consultation event in the residential tower and creating a social event encouraged more residents to attend and contribute with their views and comments on the wider greenspace network and on the garden space around the Tower. 3.8
Allershaw Tower Garden, Tea Party Consultation Event Comments.
At the start of the consultation event Ironside Farrar did a small presentation using the boards to illustrate the main ideas and design outcomes of the previous consultation events and Greenspace Network study. Following this the purpose of the tea party consultation event was discussed and questionnaires handed out while the residents drank tea, ate cake and discussed what they would like to see and how they would like to use the garden area around the tower. The main outcomes were: •
Residents at the tower would probably not use allotments.
•
Currently the footpaths do not feel safe to use, especially at night.
•
The residents like the fact that the garden area is enclosed and private but a sheltered area with better seating and more interesting shrub or flower areas would be preferred, possibly in raised planters that will be easier for them to maintain.
•
Residents are frustrated about the lack of maintenance in the garden and complained that it looked dirty and untidy and that the nearby trees block the sunlight reaching the garden and also block views from flats on the lower levels.
•
The residents would like to have an extension and possibly a conservatory built onto the community flat so that they can use the garden space in the evenings and in the colder months.
In general by creating a consultation event at the base of the tower which at times felt like a social event a larger proportion of the residents attended and contributed their views to the greenspace network and ideas for the garden area in a relaxed atmosphere. Full feedback and copies of the consultation boards are in Appendix 4. Ironside Farrar Ltd 7320 February 2010
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3.9
Gowkthrapple Community Hub site start and consultation morning.
This event on the 6th November 2009 saw a site start event at Smith Avenue in Gowkthrapple with a consultation morning held at the community centre afterwards where areas were set aside for a number of organisations such as the fire and rescue, NHS and Police. The consultation event was well attended by people at the site start ceremony including a group of children from the Castlehill Primary School. This created a platform to create an event where the community could be updated in line with best practice guidance providing feedback on previous consultation events with information and plans to illustrate what is happening ‘behind the scenes’ in the regeneration of Gowkthrapple. Ironside Farrar had ten A1 boards illustrating the feedback from the previous consultation events held in Gowkthrapple since 2008 and highlighted Ironside Farrar’s, North Lanarkshire Council’s and Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership’s involvement in Gowkthapple since 2006. The boards were designed to illustrate the design process and how comments and feedback from all the previous public consultations in Gowkthrapple have been integrated into the greenspace network study and the more detailed projects that followed. The boards highlighted the outcomes from the following consultations: •
February 2008, public consultation for the development of a Greenspace Network at Gowkthrapple.
•
March 2009, Public Consultation event for the Allotments and The Community Park.
•
June 2009, Consultation event at Clyde Valley High with a group of Gowkthrapple teenagers on what there needs are from the community park and greenspace network.
•
June 2009, Consultation event at Allershaw Tower with the residents to discuss their needs and desires for the garden area around the Residential Tower.
The event was a success and attended by approximately 20-30 people, a wide cross section of the community had an interest in what was happening and were generally supportive of the proposals and specific elements such as the allotments and Community Park in Gowkthrapple. A copy of all boards and photos from the event are enclosed in Appendix 5.
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Summary
4.0
The consultation events held so far in Gowkthrapple by Ironside Farrar have all been successful with a large turn out of interested residents at each with comments, views and ideas being integrated into the design process at each stage. Consultation events have all been carried out in line with the 10 standards as set out in National Standards for Community Engagement developed by Communities Scotland: Involvement Following the 2006 strategic masterplan report, the Gowkthrapple Regeneration Group have disbanded and so more imaginative public consultation events described in this report had to be developed to engage the community and involve more residents in the design process. To ensure that a wide cross section of the community were involved in the consultation we took the events to venues that were convenient for the people of Gowkthrapple. Including consultations at Allershaw Tower ensuring the elderly residents, some of whom have mobility issues could attend a consultation event and contribute to the design process. The consultation event at Clyde Valley High engaged a group from Gowkthrapple that would not normally attend a consultation event. These consultations enabled their views, comments and ideas to become part of the Greenspace Network design for Gowkthrapple. Support As we developed the consultation events we identified, with the help of North Lanarkshire Council those groups in Gowkthrapple who face difficulties with mobility e.g. the elderly residents at Allershaw Tower. We overcame these barriers by taking the consultation events to them. This enabled their ideas and comments on what there needs are from the Greenspace Network, Allotments and Community Park. Planning For the consultation events we started the initial site analysis and developed concepts that could be tested at the consultations. Most consultation events were held at venues where other community events were occurring. By ‘piggy backing’ an existing community event enabled a wider spectrum of the community to become involved in the consultation process. This was possible with the help of North Lanarkshire Council and Garrion People’s Housing Co-operative who notified Ironside Farrar of upcoming events. Future cooperation and planning of events between all parties will benefit consultations to be held in the future. Methods Engagement methods fit for purpose were developed for each consultation event. The events at Allershaw Tower in February 2008 and June 2009 were tailored to meet the needs of the elderly residents who live there, some of whom have limited mobility. By reviewing the first consultation held in February 2008 we were able to develop a more suitable method of consultation and in June 2009 held a successful consultation event in the form of a tea party. The consultation event held in March 2009 outside the community centre focused on the provision of Allotments and Recreation in Gowkthrapple’s green network, a scene that reflected the consultation topic was created outside the main entrance to the centre. This in turn raised interest in what we were doing, people came out to ask why we had plants, Ironside Farrar Ltd 7320 February 2010
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gardening tools, grow bags and a wheelbarrow. This in turn created a dialogue with the community about potential allotments and improved play facilities in the green network of Gowkthrapple. In June 2009 Ironside Farrar developed a method of consultation that was fit for purpose. We consulted a small group of teenagers at Clyde Valley High on what they would like from the greenspace network by engaging them, making them choose what items they would spend a fictional budget on. For all future consultations to be successful, methods that are fit for the audience need to be developed and reviewed so that the next consultation is more successful than the last. Working Together The success of the consultations in Gowkthrapple has in part been due to the fact that Ironside Farrar, North Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Government, Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Space Partnership and Garrion People’s Housing Co-operative have all worked together and notified other parties of upcoming events. This has enabled consultations to piggy back on more popular events that a wider cross section of the community would attend. Sharing Information & Working with Others As previously stated the sharing of information and notifying interested parties of upcoming events has developed a platform where representatives from North Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Government, Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Space Partnership, Garrion People’s Housing Co-operative and Ironside Farrar can work together and share information. This benefit’s all parties with an interest in the delivery of the Greenspace network at Gowkthrapple. Improvement The first consultation event at Allershaw Tower held in February 2008 had a fairly low turn out and attendance. This event was held in the foyer of the tower and apart from a few people who turned up specially for the event was only attended by people entering and leaving the Tower. A second consultation was held in June 2009, after we reviewed the February 2008 consultation and saw where we went wrong we were able to review the consultation process and improve it. The second consultation was in the form of a Tea Party, a social event that the residents wanted to attend. By reviewing the consultation events that had a fairly low turnout and assessing why it wasn’t as successful as it could have been we are able to improve the consultation process developing and delivering more successful events that are attended by a wider cross section of the community. Feedback After consultations were held and comments integrated into the designs we were able to go back to Gowkthrapple and provide feedback to the community on the outcomes of the consultations and how these were integrated into the developing designs and plan for the Greenspace Network.
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By doing this we were able to give the community confidence that although there has been limited progress on the ground there has been significant progress behind the scenes regarding Gowkthrapple’s Regeneration. Monitoring and Evaluating After each consultation exercise held in Gowkthrapple we reviewed the consultation event and analysed how we could have delivered a better consultation. This has enabled us to develop more successful consultation processes, delivering successful consultations involving and engaging a wider cross section of the community.
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Appendix 1 Gowkthrapple Greenspace Network Consulation Boards and Community Feedback
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Where Do You Live?
Place a Dot on Your House
Welcome In November 2006 the Glasgow and Clyde Valley (GCV) Green Network Partnership Board approved support for a Green Network project at Gowkthrapple, near Wishaw, North Lanarkshire. The project has been proposed by North Lanarkshire Council in response to a brief issued by the Green Network Partnership’s Stronger Communities Group. This study is looking at the Gowkthrapple Greenspace and connections to schools, community facilities and the wider countryside. Particular areas of interest include:• Safe Paths & Pedestrian Routes • Play Spaces • Sports Provision • Community Gardens • Gardens associated with New or Existing Housing • Lighting • Greenspace & Garden Maintenance • Environmental Quality The aim of this project is to identify ways in which the Green Network can be developed in and around Gowkthrapple so as to improve the environmental quality of the neighbourhood, enhance quality of life for residents, strengthen biodiversity, and help create new economic opportunities, especially for young people.
Regeneration of Gowkthrapple Key Masterplan Needs
Gowkthrapple as proposed
•
Good local services • • • •
Netherton
•
Sub‐station
Pather
Good local amenity • • •
•
Parks & playspace Recreation space Greenspace & path networks
Good quality homes • • •
•
Primary School Shops Community facilities Transport links
Mix housing type Quality housing maintenance Housing supporting a community
Community Structure • • •
Mixed community Community stability Active / engaged residents
Key Greenspace Needs •
Local Networks • • •
•
Community Greenspace • • •
What are the issues for the local community? y •
Path Loops & Routes Play Spaces Public Realm Community Gardens School Gardens Allotments
Strategic Networks • • •
Wider Connections Core Paths Habitats
Greenspace Issues in Gowkthrapple What issues are important for Greenspace in Gowkthrapple? Place a dot in the boxes you think are important
Developing a stronger sense off place l around d the h new community hub
Yes
Connecting new housing with existing safe pedestrian routes
Yes
Developing better facilities play y spaces, p , such as p seating, community gardens
Yes
Yes
Making sure all paths are well lit and overlooked Providing safe routes to other footpaths / bus stops
Yes
Yes
Providing better facilities for active sports Yes
Providing private or shared garden space
What are the important issues in Gowkthrapple? Write your comments on a post-it
Parks & Greenspaces Which hi h Greenspaces d do you use? Place a dot on the map
Do you use the Greenspaces regularly? Yes
No
Place a dot to answer
Are there issues with safety / security? Yes
No
Place a dot to answer
Which Facilities are Missing? Place a dot beside your choice Play spaces for all ages
Kickabout space for younger people
Recreational space
Seating
Floral displays / attractive planting
Other
What do you like / dislike about them? Write on a Post-It and place on the map.
Path Network Where would you like new paths / tracks? Draw them on the map in red
Do y you use the p paths regularly? g y Yes
No
Place a dot to give your view
Are the paths adequate? Yes
No
Place a dot to give your view
Are there particular needs for disabled, carers, pedestrians, cyclists? Comments
Integration with Local Communities
What activities / facilities do they link? Write on a Post-It and place on the map.
Are there particular dark or unsafe areas that you avoid? Yes
Security & Safety
No
Place a dot to answer and a dot on the map to highlight problem areas
Do you think the new development should all have CCTV cameras? Yes
No
Place a dot to answer
Do you feel concerned about parking your car on-street overnight? Yes Yes
No No
Place a dot to answer
Are you concerned for safety next to streams or ponds? Yes
No
Place a dot to answer
What are the main safety & security issues in Gowkthrapple? Write them on a Post-It.
Sports, Play & Recreation Would you like to see more opportunities for recreation, sport or other activities in Gowkthrapple? Add comments on a Post-it Note
What facilities are required? What improvements should be made?
Where should they take place? Are there any particular recreation issues or needs in Gowkthrapple
What recreation recreation, sport or other activities are you currently involved in? Where do they take place? Write your activity on a Post-It.
Gardens & Allotments Would you like to see more opportunities for community gardens or allotments in Gowkthrapple? Add comments on a Post-it Note
What facilities are required? What improvements should be made?
Where should they take place? Are there any specific issues or needs in Gowkthrapple
What horticultural or other activities are you currently involved in? Where do they take place? Write your activity on a Post-It.
Greenspace Around Homes
New housing will Include Gardens Garden Preferences
Would you like to have a small fenced private i t back b k garden? d ? Yes
No
Place a dot to answer
Would you be able to look after a front or back garden yourself? Yes
No
Place a dot to answer
Would you store your bin in the garden space? Yes
No
Place a dot to answer
Would you like to be able to park your car on a private space as shown here? Yes
No
Can you think of other things we should be considering for gardens?
Place a dot to answer
Management of Greenspace & Gardens Do you want to be involved in managing Gowkthrapples Greenspaces? Yes
Should front gardens be maintained by residents? Yes
No
Directly by assisting d day to d day Place a dot to answer
Yes
Yes
As part of a local advisory group
Are you interested in learning new skills in gardening? Yes
No
By being kept informed of proposals Place a dot to answer
Place a dot to answer
Is the current maintenance of the greenspace resource sufficient? Yes Yes
Place a dot to answer
No No
Could you help others learn about gardening or maintenance? Yes If so please pass your details to one of the team. Place a dot to answer
Can you think of any special needs for specific categories of people in Gowkthrapple? Children & Families • • • • • • • • • •
Play Parks Safe Pedestrian & cycle routes
Youths & Young Adults • •
Cyclepaths Kickabout pitches
•
Well lit sheltered areas
• • • • • •
`
Older People • • • • • • • • • •
Seating areas Amenity planting Good crossing facilities
Netherton
Pather Sub‐station
Gowkthrapple
Garrion Business Park
Netherton
Pather Sub‐station
Gowkthrapple
Garrion Business Park Business Park
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Appendix 2 Gowkthrapple Allotments and Community Garden Consultation Boards and Community Feedback.
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Ironside Farrar Ltd 7320 February 2010
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Safe paths & Pedestrian routes Play Spaces Sports Provision Community Gardens Gardens associated with new and existing housing/ flats Lighting Greenspace & Garden maintenance Environmental Quality
Establish connectivity between local facilities held together by the Gowkthrapple Green Network. Linking new community infrastructure, new neighbourhoods and Schools with residents and the wider countryside assets
Support and contribute to the overall Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network
Facilitate and ‘kick start’ local regeneration for Gowkthrapple
North Lanarkshire Council
!Castlehill Primary School
!Allershaw Tower
!The community centre
The consultation was held at:
Ironside Farrar Ltd
A public consultation was held in Gowkthrapple in February 2008, at this day long event it was discussed how best Gowkthrapple can be regenerated around it’s green infrastructure.
Public Consultation 2008
!
!
!
Key Objectives of the Green Network:
! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
The study looked at Gowkthrapple’s greenspace and connections to schools, community facilities and wider countryside. Particular areas that were looked at included:
In November 2006 the Glasgow and Clyde Valley (GCV) Green Network Partnership Board approved support for a Green Network project at Gowkthrapple, North Lanarkshire. The project was proposed by North Lanarkshire Council in response to a brief issued by the Green Network Partnership’s Stronger Communities Group.
Introduction
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Minor paths
Secondary paths
Primary paths
Develop better facilities such as play areas, seating and picnic areas that are safe to use.
add Please otes n post-it omment c r u o with y as for the e d i d an etwork. Green N
Provide better facilities for active Improved safety, possibly better Private courtyards, shared gardens sports, kick about areas and a youth &private gardens are a goos idea. CCTV. shelter for teenagers.
Improved lighting of all roads, E n c o u r a g e b e t t e r u s e o f t h e community gardens. paths, cycleways & open areas.
Key outcomes from the 2008 consultation with the community were:
Place a dot on your house
Where do you Live?
Gowkthrapple Green Space Network
Yes
No
North Lanarkshire Council
Vegetable growing
Community events/ parties
Relaxing, picnics and BBQ’s
No - Why not? Please add a post it
Areas for sports/ Football pitches
Play equipment aimed at younger children
Open areas accessible to everyone
Locked secure areas
Community growing areas
Public Art
Areas of Shrubs and flowers
Seating areas
Better security, CCTV
Swings, slides, climbing frames
Youth Shelters
More adventerous play equipment
Please mark with dots.
Ironside Farrar Ltd
Yes No
Are the gates and tall fencing necessary? Does it stop you using the gardens?
Yes
Do you use the Community Park? No - Why Not?
What would you like to see in the park?
What would you like to use this space for?
Yes
Do you consider the community gardens a safe place?
Do you use the park?
No
Yes
Swings Climbing frames
No
Would you like to see the community gardens being more open with less barriers like fences and gates?
Yes
Would you be interested in being involved with the running of the community garden?
Please mark on the picture with a blue dot
Which areas of the park do you use and like?
Gowkthrapple Community Garden
Interactive play
add Please otes n post-it ideas ur with yo mentss. and com
Which areas of the park do you not use and dislike? Please mark on the picture with a red dot
Yes
Do you think providing a range of small, medium and large plots is a good idea?
Ironside Farrar Ltd
Yes
Would you want to help run Gowkthrapple’s allotment society?
North Lanarkshire Council
Secondary Paths
2m high security fencing surrounding allotments area
Central Spine
Yes
Provision for future community activities/ facilities
Native Woodland Planting
Combination of variable plot sizes 250m 2 - 75m 2
Would you need help looking after your allotment?
Main Entrance
Provision for future community activities/ facilities
The average Allotment size is 250m 2 with areas delineated internally with timber edging.
No
No
No
Storage Area
Yes
Yes
add Please otes n post-it ideas r e with oth tments. for allo
Please mark with a sticky dot
Where do you think allotments should be in Gowkthrapple?
Would You be interested in having or sharing an allotment?
Would you like to see allotments in Gowkthrapple?
Gowkthrapple Allotments
No
No
GOWKTRHAPPLE PUBLIC EVENT DAY ENGAGEMENT & CONSULTATION OPPORTUNITY HELD AT GOWKTHRAPPLE COMMUNITY CENTRE –28 MARCH 2009
7320
Julian Farrar /Ryan McMahon Small Event /Display and opportunity to talk to wide range of residents.
Question Feedback Allotments Would you like to see allotments in Gowthrapple?
YES
NO
9
1
YES
NO
6
1
YES
NO
1
1
YES
NO
General positive response
Would you be interested in having or sharing an allotment? 3 maybe’s / unsure/ never thought about it and unsure if they could manage
Would you need help looking after your allotment? Most very unsure / couldn’t answer
Would you work to help run Gowthrapple’s Allotment Society?
3
Need more information. Would there be a society
Do you think providing a range of small, medium and large plots is a good idea?
YES
NO
6
1
Page 1 of 4
Community Garden
YES
NO
Do you use the park?
11
1
What would you like to see in the Park? More adventurous play equipment.
6
Youth shelters
2
Swings, slides, climbing frames.
7
Better security,
7
Seating areas.
6
Areas of shrubs and flowers.
2
Public art.
??
Community growing areas.
??
Locked, secure areas.
1 Page 2 of 4
Open areas accessible to everyone.
??
Play equipment aimed at younger children.
6
Area for sports/ football pitches.
6
What would you like to use this space for (Community Garden)? Relaxing, picnics and BBQs.
3
Community events/ parties.
5
YES
NO
Do you use the Community Park? 4
No – locked up most of the time.
YES
NO
Are the gates and tall fences necessary? 3
YES
NO
Does it stop you using the gardens? 4-6
Page 3 of 4
Would you be interested in being involved with running the community gardens?
YES
NO
Would you like to see the community gardens being more open with less barriers like fences and gates?
YES
NO
3
2
3
A number of not sure. What would it be? How would it be better?
Community Garden Comments •
Need security or people watching it.
•
Locked up most of the time.
•
More smaller play areas are needed.
•
Not safe, needles etc are in the park.
•
In summer lots of people drink in the park, feels unsafe.
•
Play area for younger children.
•
Should be more open planned.
•
Better security.
•
Better connections with the school.
•
Flatten small hills and remove shrubs (throughout Gowkthrapple) to open it up.
Page 4 of 4
Page 5 of 4
Appendix 3 Consultation event at Clyde Valley High School.
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Gowkthrapple Community Park
7320
Consultation with School Children at Clyde Valley High School from Gowkthrapple, rd aged between 14 and 15. Held at Clyde Valley High School on 23 June 2009.
• •
IFL discussed the project and that today we were meeting to discuss the design of the park and what they would like from their park. IFL asked if they use the existing park, they said ‘nothing there’ and that it was ‘for younger kids’
At the consultation event IFL attached price tags to each of the following: • • • •
Youth shelter Play Equipment Exercise equipment Multi use sports area
(£15,000) (£15,000) (£15,000) (£30,000)
The school children were given a budget of £50,000 and asked to choose what they would spend this money on and what they would like in their park. Outcome: The school children would spend they money on a multi use sports area and a youth shelter, if there was money left over they would spend it on play equipment, especially the basket swing. The location of the items was discussed and they decided the best location was besides the Hub building away from the play areas for younger children.
The school children liked the idea of having somewhere to meet friends and just ‘hang out’. They liked the design and look of the shelter and liked the fact they could cover it in graffiti art. They were not so keen on the exercise equipment and said it was ‘boring’.
Appendix 4 Allershaw Tower Tea Party Consultation event, consultation boards and community feedback.
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Ro ad
Yes: Please leave your contact details in the comments book provided.
No: Do you use the garden space Provided? Yes: No, Why not? Please state why not on the post it notes provided.
Play equipment For grandchildren
Flowers
Growing Herbs and Vegetables?
add Please otes n post-it omment ur c with yo as for the and ide den. Gar
Relaxing?
What would you like to use the garden space for?
Drying Clothes?
Siting outside?
Planters for Herbs/ Vegetables
Sheltered seating areas
What would you like to see in the gardens?
Would you be interested in helping look after the garden?
No:
Yes:
Do you like Gardening?
Allershaw Tower Shared Garden Community Centre
Allershaw Tower
Ca stl eh ill
North Lanarkshire Council
Comments/ Ideas.
Ironside Farrar
sha
Where do you Live? Place a dot on your house
Alle r
s
wR
Ca ill
oad
tle h ad
Develop better facilities such as play areas, seating and picnic areas that are safe to use.
He
a
d
ith
iel
Sm
th f
Ave
nue
Wo
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ree
nC
our
t
Primary paths
Secondary paths
Minor paths
add Please otes n post-it omment ur c with yo as for the and ide etwork. Green N
Improved lighting of all roads, E n c o u r a g e b e t t e r u s e o f t h e community gardens. paths, cycleways & open areas. Provide better facilities for active Improved safety, possibly better Private courtyards, shared gardens sports, kick about areas and a youth &private gardens are a goos idea. CCTV. shelter for teenagers.
Key outcomes from the 2008 consultation with the community were:
Ro
Gowkthrapple Green Space Network Introduction In November 2006 the Glasgow and Clyde Valley (GCV) Green Network Partnership Board approved support for a Green Network project at Gowkthrapple, North Lanarkshire. The project was proposed by North Lanarkshire Council in response to a brief issued by the Green Network Partnership’s Stronger Communities Group.
Safe paths & Pedestrian routes Play Spaces Sports Provision Community Gardens Gardens associated with new and existing housing/ flats Lighting Greenspace & Garden maintenance Environmental Quality
The study looked at Gowkthrapple’s greenspace and connections to schools, community facilities and wider countryside. Particular areas that were looked at included: ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Support and contribute to the overall Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network
Facilitate and ‘kick start’ local regeneration for Gowkthrapple
Key Objectives of the Green Network: !
!
!
Establish connectivity between local facilities held together by the Gowkthrapple Green Network. Linking new community infrastructure, new neighbourhoods and Schools with residents and the wider countryside assets
Public Consultation 2008
Ironside Farrar Ltd
A public consultation was held in Gowkthrapple in February 2008, at this day long event it was discussed how best Gowkthrapple can be regenerated around it’s green infrastructure. The consultation was held at: !The community centre !Allershaw Tower !Castlehill Primary School
North Lanarkshire Council
Gowkthrapple Community Consultation
7320/RSM
rd
Tea Party held on 23 June, 11.00am-1.00pm in the Community Flat of Allershaw Tower, Gowkthrapple
Comments from Green Space Network Board: •
Allotments –m not a good idea.
•
Feel unsafe, especially at night (path).
•
Still feels like a dumping ground (for problem people).
•
Patio needs cleaned.
•
Change name from Gowkthrappe or ‘Gowkie’.
•
Bushes make flats dark, rats and animals in them – worst in 3 years!
Comments from Allershaw Tower Shared Garden Board •
Was a plan for area around Tower but fell through.
•
Trees, main concern – need to be lowered.
•
Better seating.
•
Flowers, not just green plants.
•
Safer area, fenced in.
Page 1 of 3
•
No drying green, not needed.
•
Benches.
•
Area for grown kids, a few kids in Tower.
•
Tubs – plants in tubs will be a good idea.
•
Residents easier to maintain garden if in raised containers.
•
Year round colour.
Questionnaire Feed Back What do you like about the existing garden area? •
It is enclosed.
•
It is restful.
•
It is the only place we have to sit when the weather is good.
•
Not much at the moment.
•
Nothing.
•
The fact that the garden is enclosed.
•
Enclosed area.
•
It is private.
What do you dislike about the existing garden area? •
Lack of maintenance.
•
Many green areas with shrubs and trees, not enough flower areas.
•
Not colourful, would be better if it had more flowers.
•
Filthy flagstones and weeds and moss in the mono blocking.
•
Trees need to be cut down or trimmed.
•
Dirty and untidy.
•
Not enough seating areas, no shelter.
•
Could be doing with a clean up.
•
Needs a clean.
•
It is dirty, there is no shade or colour. They are not maintained.
Page 2 of 3
Other Comments •
Flowering shrubs or tubs to add a bit of colour.
•
An adjoining conservatory to the common room would enable us to sit out in colder weather.
•
Conservatory.
•
Would be nice to have a nice seating area for summer nights – also maybe a sheltered seating area.
•
More flowers and plants.
•
Perhaps double doors opening out into the garden area – conservatory or extension.
•
The garden area is not very well maintained and we have asked repeatedly for a power wash for the slabs and mono blocking. The large trees outside the boundary fence are growing out of control leaving people in the lower floors lacking light.
•
A conservatory adjoining the existing common room would be a great asset for the cooler weather.
•
More colour, I like the trees but seasonal flowers would be nice.
•
I would like to see more seating for the good weather to sit out.
•
Flowering shrubs would add a bit of colour. Also a bit of shade for those who do not like too much sun.
•
We were promised all this 3-4 years ago, but it came to nothing.
Page 3 of 3
•
Would like to see better seating areas and a sheltered patio. Perhaps a flowered section that a group of tenants might maintain.
•
Seating areas.
Page 4 of 3
Appendix 5 Gowkthrapple Community Hub Site Start and Consultation Morning, Consultation Boards.
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!
!
!
Play areas aimed at older and Younger children
Youth Shelter & smaller kick about areas
Better Security
Swings, Slides & Climbing frames
More Adventurous play equipment
Community events & community parties / fun days
Interactive Play
Tall fences create visual barriers and corners of poor visibility where antisocial behaviour can occur
Facilities for infants & older children
Adventerous Play
Teenagers at Clyde Valley High School. !
Youth Shelter
Area for sports / Multi use games area
The HUB and separate from the play areas for younger children.
In discussion with stakeholders and teenagers it was decided that the best location for these would be near
!
There main desires for the community park area was:
We also spoke to
Consultation 2009
Interactive Play
Existing conditions: large spaces between equipment & poor connections to adjoining play area
Gowkthrapple Community Park Consultation 2009
!
At the same consultation event as the allotments we asked what would you like to see in the Park? The main comments this generated were:
!
Relaxing, Picnics & BBQ’s
Inclusive Play
Play with friends
Contemporary Design
We also asked What would you like to use the Community Park for? The main outcomes of this were: !
security.
!
The main concerns for the Community Park was
Multi use games area
North Lanarkshire Council Ironside Ironside Farrar North Lanarkshire Council Farrar Ltd Ltd
Area B
Area A
Physical Issues & Constraints
A series of under used unconnected spaces with footpaths and areas of dead space between.
Existing Conditions
Gowkthrapple Community Park Existing Conditions
Proposed areas and Circulation
North Lanarkshire Council Ironside Ironside Farrar North Lanarkshire Council Farrar Ltd Ltd
! Relatively level with a gentle gradient
Area A
area A was the
best location for the new Community Park
It was recommended and decided
Recommendations
! Less prominent location within Community Gardens
! A steep gradient has potential to divide the space
Area B
and footpaths
! Good Passive surveillance from surrounding roads
To Hub
+
+
+
+
+
+ 0.
+
0.
0.
0.
+
0.
0.
Basket swing
Multi climber With slide
Dual aerial Cableway
25 0. +
5 0.
+
75 0.
+
75
5
25
1
Earth mounding to 1m in height to discourage ball games and kite flying underneath the overhead power lines
Swings
Rotating rope climbing frame
‘Sling Shot’
Bike stands, benches & bin
Spring rockers
Dish roundabout Spring stepping pods
Swings
Seating area/ area for prams
25 +
+ 0.
+
0.
+
0.
+
5
0. 0.
+
75
0.
+
+
Gowkthrapple Community Park
5
25
75
1
North Lanarkshire Council Ironside Ironside Farrar North Lanarkshire Council Farrar Ltd Ltd
25 +
0.
+
0.
+
0.
75 5 25
1
+
5 0. 0.
+
75 0.
+
25 0. +
5 0. +
75 0. +
Proposed section of road to be raised with a change of material
Multi climber with slide
Feature trees and ‘dog free’ grass area
5 25
75
1
!
!
!
That a range of allotment sizes is a good idea
The majority of people consulted would be interested in participating in an Allotment society
The majority of people consulted would like to have their own allotment
The majority of people consulted would like to see allotments in Gowkthrapple
Existing Electricity Sub Station
Potential use of Existing Buildings by Allotment Association
Native Woodland Planting
Combination of variable plot sizes 250m 2 - 75m 2
Potential use of Existing Car Park
Main Entrance
Storage Area
Secondary Paths
2m high security fencing surrounding allotments area
Main Path
Potential Expansion Area
Existing blaes sports pitch
Allotment Proposals for Gowkthrapple
The average Allotment size is 250m2 and is provided as a piece of land for the allotment holder to work
Gowkthrapple Allotments Public Consultation 2009 A public consultation event was held in Gowkthrapple in March 2009 alongside the community fun day organised by Garrion People’s Housing Co-operative, at this event the provision of Allotments in Gowkthrapple was discussed.
!
Security & long term viability of the allotment project is a concern
Key outcomes from this consultation with the community were:
!
All North Lanarkshire Council Allotment sites are at capacity and have a waiting list for new members
Site Selection Reasons for selection
Central to community on land that is outwith the new build development areas but offers reasonable site security and existing infrastructure
Suitable topsoil
Advantages
Minimal site clearance
Overlooked Utilises the existing community hall (due to be replaced by the HUB) Easy to make the site secure South Facing slope suitable for growing fruit & vegetables Existing car park can be used and services near by Little vegetation to be cleared
Ironside Farrar Ltd
Reuse existing buildings
North Lanarkshire Council
!
!
!
!
To consult with local community representatives and other stakeholders on allotments including officers of the council.
To test the feasibility of creating allotments in this location and report on issues of design, community engagement, demand, cost and make recommendations on the Way Forward.
To identify the steps necessary for the formation of an Allotment Group that brings together members of the public from Gowkthrapple and the surrounding area.
To assess the potential/ feasibility for an allotment on a potential site identified by the Gowkthrapple Masterplan.
The study objectives are as follows:
Information Boards
Sheds and Glasshouses
In some cases the local authority provides sheds and greenhouses, in most cases it is the responsibility of the individual plot holder.
Footpaths
Aggregate Paving slabs Wood Chips Geotextile Materials Turf / Grass
Minimum width of 1.5m to maintain access during particularly wet periods. Suitable surfaces for footpaths in allotments include:
! ! ! ! !
Accessible water is essential to allotment holders. It is necessary for a water supply to be accessible to all allotment holders including elderly and disabled gardeners and that appropriate fixings are available such as hosepipes.
Water Supply
Most Allotment Sites have rule and regulations on the sizes of permitted structures such as sheds and glasshouses.
Some allotment sites have communal composing heaps but plot holders normally have individual composting areas. Compost heaps if maintained correctly do not attract mice or rats and only non food stuffs should be added to the heap.
Composting
Perimeter Fence
Storage Area
Site Security is important, a 2m high sturdy perimeter fence would be proposed.
Native Woodland Planting
Combination of variable plot sizes 250m 2 - 75m 2
Central Spine
2m high security fencing surrounding allotments area
Secondary Paths
Provision of Information Boards provides instructions, updates and site rules. It is also used to publicise upcoming events, site issues and debates on the Allotment Site.
Typical Allotment Components
Gowkthrapple Allotments Purpose & Objectives
!
To p r o v i d e i n f o r m a t i o n o n i m p l e m e n t a t i o n a n d management.
Allotments provide an important resource for communities and North Lanarkshire Council is considering developing a new strategy for allotments across the council area. A demand for allotments has been identified in the Motherwell / South Wishaw area and this opportunity together with the Gowkthrapple Green Network and Regeneration Strategy suggest opportunity may exist to link initiatives and secure area wide benefits.
!
Ironside Farrar Ltd
Provision for future community activities/ facilities
Provision for future community activities/ facilities
Typical Allotment Arrangement
Main Entrance
North Lanarkshire Council
No
No
No
Ironside Farrar Ltd
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Proposed Allotments In Gowkthrapple
Gowkthrapple Allotments
No
Would you need help looking after your allotment? Yes
No
Wo u l d y o u w a n t t o h e l p r u n G o w k t h r a p p l e ’ s allotment society? Yes
Yes
Do you think providing a range of small, medium and large plots is a good idea?
Yes
Would you like to see allotments in Gowkthrapple?
Yes
Would You be interested in having or sharing an allotment?
North Lanarkshire Council
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Proposed Location alongside the sub station
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Facilitate and ‘kick start’ local regeneration for Gowkthrapple
Allershaw Tower
The community centre
Where do you Live? Place a dot on your house
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Develop better facilities such as play areas, seating and picnic areas that are safe to use.
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Primary paths
Secondary paths
Minor paths
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Improved lighting of all roads, E n c o u r a g e b e t t e r u s e o f t h e community gardens. paths, cycleways & open areas. Provide better facilities for active Improved safety, possibly better Private courtyards, shared gardens sports, kick about areas and a youth &private gardens are a good idea. CCTV. shelter for teenagers.
Key outcomes from the 2008 consultation with the community were:
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Gowkthrapple Green Space Network Introduction In November 2006 the Glasgow and Clyde Valley (GCV) Green Network Partnership Board approved support for a Green Network project at Gowkthrapple, North Lanarkshire. The project was proposed by North Lanarkshire Council in response to a brief issued by the Green Network Partnership’s Stronger Communities Group.
Safe paths & Pedestrian routes Play Spaces Sports Provision Community Gardens Gardens associated with new and existing housing/ flats Lighting Greenspace & Garden maintenance Environmental Quality
The study looked at Gowkthrapple’s greenspace and connections to schools, community facilities and wider countryside. Particular areas that were looked at included: ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
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Support and contribute to the overall Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network
Key Objectives of the Green Network:
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Establish connectivity between local facilities held together by the Gowkthrapple Green Network. Linking new community infrastructure, new neighbourhoods and Schools with residents and the wider countryside assets
Public Consultation 2008
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Castlehill Primary School
Ironside Farrar Ltd
A public consultation was held in Gowkthrapple in February 2008, at this day long event it was discussed how best Gowkthrapple can be regenerated around it’s green infrastructure.
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The consultation was held at:
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North Lanarkshire Council
Path Hierarchy
Green Network Projects
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23
22
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13
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15
19
11
Wider Strategic connections
Gowkthrapple Green Space Network Vision for a New Community A regenerated and transformed Castlehill Park, Smiths Park and Heathfield Park will collectively offer a desirable new residential environment on the edge of South Wishaw overlooking the Clyde Valley. Increased housing capacity and the community will grow around 'The Hub' a design winning community facility that will support sustainable lifestyles and new opportunities. Community woodlands and community gardens will make strong connections via lit and safe Green Network paths to the Business Park, shops, schools, bus stops and to the wider countryside Green Network. These new neighbourhoods can become places of choice for families with good front to back detached, terraced and semi-detached housing offering the choice of semi private and private outdoor space, together with good local play facilities, safe streets and multi functional outdoor greenspaces. These greatly improved local Gowkthrapple facilities will feed into the wider area and the Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network as a whole.
Wider Linkages Opportunities across the wider South Wishaw and Clyde Valley area seek to address the historic fragmentation of routes and landscape elements and to build upon the historic qualities of place still evident in many of the areas landscape elements. These include: reconnecting pedestrian routes and medium/ longer distance paths. addressing fragmentation of woodland and connectivity of habitats.
The Green Network The Green Network seeks to establish a new landscape setting into which new housing development is accommodated and through which a strong relationship with the surrounding area and its associated facilities can be achieved. A list of 30 Green Network projects have been identified from analysis, consultation and review of ongoing initiatives. The projects which form the Action Plan have been developed and costed to identify the extent of investment required. In each case the Lead Agency and potential Funding Partners have been identified.
Management of the Green Network
Ironside Farrar Ltd
The project has been developed to reflect the increasing need to address methods and approaches to ease the burden of long term management and maintenance. A broad typology of private/ semi-private/ semi-public space that offers opportunity for individual and community management is advocated.
North Lanarkshire Council
Potential Green Network Enabling Projects
Green Space Hierarchy
9&10
7
18
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Routes to Health School Gardens Project Establish a Community Trust Allershaw Tower Garden Design Allotments Forum Design Your Greenspace
26
Green Network Core Projects
7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
21.
22. 23. 24. 25. 26.
Establish a Project Steering Group Agree Action Plan Priorities Commit to 2009/ 2010 Programme Maintain Lessons Learnt log and audit performance
Green Network Monitoring & Project Evaluation
New Road Infrastructure New Path Infrastructure (on-site) Upgrading Car Park Courts Garage Demolitions Upgrading Existing Path Networks (on-site) Primary Paths Planting / Lighting Secondary Paths Planting / Lighting Safe Routes to Schools Works to Existing Community Garden Hub Playspace, Orchard & 3G pitch Establish Allotments Create New Community Play Facility Community Woodland Structure Planting Shared Neighbourhood/ Private / Semi-private Garden space Landscape works associated with Existing Buildings SUDS Treatment Works Path Networks (off-site) Entrance & Frontage Works Public Art / Signage Projects Management for Biodiversity
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12
8
25
16
14
27. 28. 29. 30.
Community Garden Group
Green Network Group
Allotments Group
Allotments Group
Community Garden Group
Healthy Walking Group
Green Network Group
Successful Delivery Involves Community Consultation & Participation Would you get involved? Background The Gowkthrapple Green Network Project is promoted by the Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership Stronger Communities Group and is led by North Lanarkshire Council. The aim of this project is to identify the way in which the Green Network can be developed in and around Gowkthrapple so as to improve the environmental quality of the neighbourhood, enhance quality of life for residents, strengthen biodiversity, and help create new economic opportunities, especially for young people.
Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership
Healthy Walking Group
The project looks at the provision of greenspace internally within Gowkthrapple and also identifies opportunities for creating and strengthening linkages to adjacent areas and the wider Green Network.
Cycling Group
North Lanarkshire Council