ST HELENS
TOWN CENTRE IMPROVEMENT HEALTH
IMPACT
St Helens Town Centre Improvement Health Impact Community Engagement
1.1 Community Stage
The addition of a community stage to St Helens town centre would contribute to the improvement of mental wellbeing and community cohesion. A community stage would be ideally located in a central area with a high footfall. A central stage for community use would provide individuals the opportunity to showcase their talents in a ‘pop-up theatre’ manner; furthermore a community stage would promote cohesion between St Helens residents and draw attention to the town centre as well as encouraging the arts. Subjective to the space available the capital cost of a community stage could range between £500 (basic) upwards depending on the status of the stage (permanent or temporary.)
1.2 Reading Trees
Could be placed in a Central location with high footfall in town centre. Trees placed about the centre with books and seating available on them for anyone to take some time to sit and read. The reading trees promote mental wellbeing, community cohesion, the importance of good literacy skills. Materials to construct tree, books, and maintenance tree approximately costs £5,000. 3 trees in town centre: £15,000
1.3 Outdoor Cinema
An outdoor cinema would greatly Available open space in close proximity to the town centre Cinema showing various films, documentaries etc. located in town centres (squares), in empty shops, roof tops and other unique locations/buildings etc. to bring community together. Could also serve alternate refreshments such as fruit and people can access free water (see above). People are always seeking alternate and niche forms of entertainment as opposed to the traditional pubs, clubs and drinking culture. Open space, projector, seating, volunteers to help monitor and run cinema Various rental companies operate and can provide screens to be used in any location. Have to consider cost of screen and licensing cost for showing films etc. At various locations. Some permanent and some are pop ups/events. Route 66 Is located in Manchester (Trafford) and Liverpool. In London in particular, there are various outdoor cinema events throughout the year taking place near historical building and in parks. Cost: £1,250 for rental of all equipment per night, +£150 film rental fee, +staff Average cost per night £1,750
1.4 Street Marshalls/Angels
Across the town centre, particularly in areas with vulnerable people. A team of community volunteers who work alongside the police and the NWAS to asset those vulnerable people who are in need. A team of community volunteers who are trained in dealing with vulnerable people. Use of premises; uniform for volunteers; first aid equipment; insurance; training; tea and coffee; small float for taxi fares for those helped; CRB checks; and volunteer expenses £8000 per year. Would also have to consider a part/full time coordinator £25000 for wage and additional costs? 'Halifax town centre has a busy night life with a variety of clubs and bars. To help with those who become vulnerable whilst enjoying and using Halifax's night life, Street Angels was launched in November 2005. Street Angels patrol the town centre on Fridays and Saturdays between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. In the first year police reported that violent crime had fallen by 42%. Street Angels work in partnership with St. John Ambulance, Nightlife Marshals, Police Community Support Officers, Police and door-staff as well as the Halifax Ambassadors who patrol in the daytime.''
1.5 Community Garden area
A community garden area in St Helens would promote cohesion, physical health and exercise, mental wellbeing and increase economic activity to the centre. A community garden area would be ideally located in close proximity to the town centre; there are several sites in particular which would benefit form a community garden. A central community feature which provides a place for plethora of events and activities. Cost: Building a community garden the gardens come in all shapes and sizes, according to Caroline Fernandez, the Local Food Project Coordinator of the Women's Environmental Network (WEN). "They can be tiny plots, gardens on roofs, school gardens, private or open to the public." The scope of what community gardens can achieve also varies widely. They can provide fresh fruit and vegetables, a place for wildlife, improved play areas, an outdoor classroom and safe public spaces that are well-maintained. "What unites all of these green spaces," explains Ken Elkes of the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens, "is the fact that they are run by a management committee formed by local people, usually working on a voluntary basis."
Garden Landscaping Service Price Garden Cleaning (including rubbish £250 per day (including two labourers) clearance, weeding and pruning, hedge trimming and old leaf raking) Soil Irrigation (including laying of new £200 per day (including two labourers) compost, soil turnover and watering) Turfing (grass overlay) £12.50 per square metre Bark Mulching (for flowerbeds and other £15 per square metre cornered-off garden areas) New Plants (including three new large potted £40 per square metre plants, with the option of being re-planted in flowerbeds or kept in original holders) Fence Installation (including groundwork £50 per metre for a panelled fence and clearance, panel installation and painting/varnishing) £60 per metre for a closed board fence (both 1.8metres high) £85 per square metre Sandstone Paving £80 per square metre Block Paving £75 per square metre Softwood Decking £110 per square metre Hardwood Decking £180 a day Skip Hire £160-200 for an all-day van driver Waste Removal Architectural Design and Planning (an Prices generally start from £250 per
extensive evaluation of the garden area, including re-sizing and re-shaping, new centrepieces and unique flower/plant arrangements, all tailored specifically to your property)
project/visit, depending on the scale of your project.
2 Aesthetics 2.1
Silver Birch Trees Benefit to Respiratory and cardiovascular health Also Mental wellbeing of the volunteers involved in the planting project located in and around the town centre Scientific research has proven the reduction in air pollution following the planting of silver birch trees due to unique properties on the leaf surface. Materials: Young Silver Birch Trees Labour: Landscape gardeners to plant trees Potential opportunity to engage with volunteers and community groups. approximately £25 per tree + an additional cost for preparation of planting location Total cost for 100 units £3,000-£4,500. Particulate matter (PM) in the air predominantly derives from traffic pollution and can be detrimental to the environment and health. Although ambient air quality has improved considerably over the past few decades there are measures which can be implemented to reduce our exposure locally. There is recent scientific evidence surrounding the use of silver birch trees to reduce air pollution; their unique structures essentially filter air by trapping PM particles. Furthermore, conclusive evidence indicates that short term exposure to PM can trigger a CVD-related mortality; additionally prolonged exposure increases the risk of cardiovascular mortality to a greater extent. Since heart disease is the greatest cause of death in Britain the local authority should take into consideration the possibility of environmental measures such as Silver Birch trees to reduce its prevalence. The plantation of Silver Birch trees in St. Helens town centre would serve an innovative dual purpose, firstly as a feasible means to reduce air pollution, and secondly as a way to enhance the appearance of the centre.
2.2
Urban agriculture Improve Mental wellbeing, Broaden knowledge of fresh produce, enhance town centre image Promote farmers markets and engagement with local green grocers to assign a day for them to sell their local produce in the centre of town. A small farming area could be built aDesignated site at close proximity to town centre A site for volunteers and community members to plant and nurture crops close to the town centre. Materials: seeds, plants, soil general gardening equipment Labour: Landscape gardeners to plant trees Potential opportunity to engage with volunteers and community groups depending on space available and resources used Urban roots is an award-winning environmental initiative which promotes not only urban agriculture but the use of local green grocers and green living predominantly to children. City farm is an example of a project which has identified disused land in close proximity to the city centre and utilised it for agriculture 'Their mission to deflect the abundant waste in cities while improving the quality of life of urban dwellers extended naturally to agriculture. Turning neglected fallow land into sustainable farms, the centre operates more than 20 productive plots that are financially self-sufficient, employs neighbourhood residents, and sells vegetables on site and to local restaurants. The centre's flagship City Farm sits in the middle of a downtown housing project and has played a key role in strengthening its community. City Farm is a proven model that supports the local economy by growing food, jobs, beauty, and change.' City farm is an example of a project which has identified disused land in close proximity to the city centre and utilised it for agriculture 'Their mission to deflect the abundant waste in cities while improving the quality of life of urban dwellers extended naturally to agriculture. Turning neglected fallow land into sustainable farms, the centre operates more than 20 productive plots that are financially self-sufficient, employs neighbourhood residents, and sells vegetables on site and to local restaurants. The centre's flagship City Farm sits in the middle of a downtown housing project and has played a key role in strengthening its community. City Farm is a proven model that supports the local economy by growing food, jobs, beauty.
2.3
2.4
Notes for anyone Improve mental wellbeing and promote the 'positive attitude' of the town centre Anywhere in the town centre, lampposts, street signs etc. Displaying notes and mantras to improve mood. Materials for signs, opportunity for VCA Engagement Approximately £250 Logically seeing positive messages will contribute to a positive outlook and mood, small changes such as these in St Helens town centre will make a contribution to better mental health and wellbeing.
Street Art (Public Health messages) Improve health and wellbeing and enhance town centre image Any available large space with a significant public exposure potential An innovative creative message, located in areas of high footfall, possibly painted on by materials to create artwork, potential to engage with VCA groups to produce art Cost for materials, £100-£500. A fee may apply to the use of an outdoor, blank space. Potentially a billboard could be used but could be quite expensive. (£500-£2,500) The evidence of health promotion effectiveness: shaping a new Europe' a study which identifies the return on investment of health advertising
3 Utility 3.1 Breastfeeding Facility
3.2
Promote Breastfeeding initiation and prevalence Around the town centre at suitable locations Providing facilities and welcoming breastfeeding locally will ensure St Helens isn't driving new mums to other breastfeeding friendly areas. Making breastfeeding socially acceptable by various advertisement and promotion. Identifying any facilities or purchasing new facilities to enable mothers to easily breastfeed. In many circumstances free. Ensuring local places (cafes, pubs, shopping centres etc.) have breastfeeding facilities readily available and known locally. If no facilities are provided may require refurbishment or installation of something appropriate. Many areas are now vocalising the breast friendly nature of their town, city and shops etc. to ensure new mums are aware that facilities are provided to accommodate them. Any breastfeeding friendly places should be encouraged to leave details on Feed Finder app.
Picnic Benches Promote community cohesion and family togetherness. Increase Economic activity Any suitable location in the town centre Picnic benches can be used by visitors to the borough to enjoy their lunch or coffee etc. Currently in the centre there are only sitting benches, there is nowhere for anyone to sit at a bench to have lunch or to eat outside. Picnic benches may encourages visitors to take their time in the centre and sit to create a better community and vibrant feel Picnic Benches. Ideally concrete based ones to allow for weight and also to avoid vandalism or theft. Disabled picnic benches are also available for wheel chair users. From £100/£200 for wooden bench or from £500 for concrete bench. Also get benches to allow disabled access from £500. Picnic benches will undoubtedly enhance the social aspect of a town centre, by providing residents; particularly families with a location to enjoy the town centre and promote community cohesion.
3.3
Water refill Stations Promote drinking water, thus improving health. Reduce wastage of plastic bottles. Shops, restaurants, pubs etc. providing access to free water in their establishment. Use posters and advertise on tapwater.org that they are offering water. Could also provide Water Fountains for visitors to the centre. Refill stations in shops etc. would require buy in/support from the establishments, could order posters from tapwater.org that can be placed in establishments window. A Water Fountain would have to be purchased on rented. Would require installation and would need to be place in a popular area that has a connection to a water pipe and waste system. For the refill stations there would be no cost although sales of water bottles within the establishment may reduce, but sales of other items may increase. Water fountains can cost anything from £150 unto £1000 depending on quality and type. Can also rent e.g. for a £1000 fountain, rent would cost £5 - £8 per week depending on contract length. Expect £150 - £200 per year for maintenance, or free if renting. Visit tapwater.org to see the wide range of establishments already allowing people to fill up water for free. Liverpool, Manchester, London and many other cities and towns are starting to see free refilling points emerge. London has recently installed two stone drinking water fountains as part of the regeneration of the city water fountains and is looking to purchase 15 18 more over the next 12 months as the project moves through the boroughs. The city aims to reduce plastic waste and create a more pleasant and enjoyable pedestrian environment. Shropshire County Council have also recently purchased 2 bottle fillers drinking water fountains that also have dog bowl units as part of their 'Healthy Shropshire' initiative.
3.4
Fill empty shops Opportunity to operate local, community benefiting services and businesses from empty shops. General Health and Wellbeing. Economic opportunities. Any disused shops in the town centre which are exposed to a high footfall of passing people Use various methods to fill empty shops. Empty shops are blight on the high street and negatively impact on the economy. Empty shops can be used to offer free or low cost opportunities for businesses, educational facilities, health services, art programmes etc. to use the empty space to offer their services to the public. The offer can be made short term and so is Empty shop. Initially would require being cleaned up. After that depends upon the project but the resources would be provided by those using the empty space. Initial cost of refurbishing the unit. Small loss of income by offering space for free or low cost although government incentives/tax breaks available to reduce impact. Further costs would be dependent upon the project, but costs should be covered by those using the space. Pop up shops (particularly new or independent businesses). Pop up theatre (Cleve don Town Centre, performances over 2 days in a former dry cleaners attracted 600 people and local shop reported increase of up to 25% in trade), Pop up cinema. Pop up art. Pop up education (3.2.1 Ignition used an empty shop in Nottingham to promote Science Technology Engineering and Maths to local people. Initially planned for 2 weeks, it had to be extended to 4 weeks and had 3,300 visitors. The shop offered workshops, fun displays on windows, fun activities - cost was £4300). Successful case studies for Altrincham, Nottingham, Birmingham, Piccadilly, London, Dunstable, Chard, Somerset House, Richmond, Houlton, Morton-in-Marsh, and Camberley, Victoria. Various local authorities offering low cost rent to fill empty shops. In Worthing a £5000 project placed a bumper car circuit, craft area and blow up air hockey in a closed carpet showroom. Subsequently led to an internet company taking over the building that now spends £2500 a month at the local bakery. The leaseholder also pumped £500000 into refurbishing the property. Attributed to the shop not
4 Physical Activity 5 4.1 Cycling and walking routes
Greater Physical health and mental wellbeing Throughout the town Centre. Ideally linking up local parks, leisure centres/gyms. Cycling and walking routes linking up to places of activity to encourage increased uptake. Routes should be fun and interactive with painted feet and heritage points. Noticeboards and paint to create images on paths. Some paths/routes may need to be resurfaced. Cost depends upon size of the work undertaken. Walk your city is a public health initiative project which is designed to encourage people to walk around their town or city instead of driving or using public transport. Signs are affixed to lampposts and street signs
4.2 Outdoor gym/Trail. Climbing Boulders
Greater Physical health and mental wellbeing Gyms would be best placed in large parks, near to play areas to encourage parents with children to have a go. Being near play reaps as usually means adequate lighting and safety thus also encouraging general users to partake. Outdoor Gyms provide a free facility (to particularly help those unemployed and in deprived areas); they are easily placed in green spaces (increase the uptake and usage of parks) and usable at any time during the day (convenient for those working, full time parents and those who don’t want to exercise indoors/in a typical gym environment). Outdoor Gyms can further promote a family approach to being active and when placed appropriately (i.e. near children’s play areas) can encourage parents who sit and watch their children play to be more active. Outdoor gym equipment, appropriate surface for the gyms, noticeboards detailing ideas for exercise. Outdoor gyms generally cost between £10,000 (small gym x 5 multipurpose pieces, 7 10 exercises) to £25,000 (large gym x 14 multipurpose pieces, 22+ exercises). The Great Outdoor Gym Company would fit and resurface area for a large gym for £40,000. A study on provision has been conducted 'Impact and Cost-Effectiveness of Family Fitness Zones: A Natural Experiment in Urban Public Parks' http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3308725/. Research by the University of Essex (Environmental Science and Technology, May 2010) shows that exercising outdoors boosts peoples physical and mental health more than going to indoor gyms, even in winter. The gyms are located all throughout the UK, from Ayrshire to Avon and from the Isle of Wight to Kent. The Great Outdoor Gym Company (TGOGC) alone has installed over 420 Outdoor Gyms across the country. Locally Cheshire has 3 parks with Outdoor Gyms from TGOGC and 17 parks throughout Manchester have Outdoor Gyms too. Salford currently has 15 gyms installed across their green spaces and reports the gyms being very popular with local people as well as various groups such as Weight Watchers, Health Improvement and outdoor fitness boot-camp type groups. Liverpool have 16 outdoor locations with static ‘trim trail’ or moving ‘gym equipment’ and report them as being well received and no problems regards vandalism or safety. Sefton and Camden have evaluated the use of their outdoor gyms and report positive impacts on usage and appreciation for the gyms.
4.3
4.4
Utilising every space for fitness Any urban space which is suitable for Swings, bench press, pulls up bar etc. Utilising any space for fitness is an innovative way to engage community members into exercising without fully acknowledging they are doing so. Fun projects such as the ‘urban gym’ have demonstrated to attraction to exercise in unusual ways. Labourers, materials to create fitness equipment. Red Swing needs 2 x 8 lumber, red paint and retired rock climbing rope (static). Swings require somewhere to be attached to and may possibly need softer ground below incise of accidents. Materials for swing would be less than £20. Red Swing Project originated in Austin, Texas in 2007 to positively impact on underutilized spaces with simple red swings. Since then 100's of swings have been hung up in USA, India, Thailand, Brazil, Taiwan, South Korea, France, Spain, Portugal, Haiti, Poland, Italy, Germany and Australia.
Stair Prompts such as Piano Stairs or Book Shelf Stairs Increases physical activity/active travelling. Improves mental wellbeing Car Park stairs and anywhere else where there is the option to take the lift or an escalator. The piano stairs are attractive and can be made to be musical. The stairs subliminally increase activity and reduce use of lifts and escalators. Alternative versions, such as making the stairs look like a book shelf, or putting quotes from books, inspirational individuals etc. can also potentially increases footfall. Also makes what can often be dull and unattractive looking spaces be more attractive. Rights to use books, quotes etc. Paint and material to create the artwork required to create the effect. Piano stairs if musical would require some form of electrical devise to make the music for each step. Linking in with local schools and colleges to help with any form of stair improvement would be good for the community Costs of materials such as paint etc. Could use local educational settings to do the work by creating projects or competition.
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A long-term study of 10,000 men from Stoke Journal 1998 found that 'men who climbed 20 - 34 floors of stairs per week (about 3 to 5 floors a day - had a 29% reduction of their risk of stroke. That 29% reduction is independent of whether people exercise in leisure time'. A study in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine (Influences of building design and site design on physical activity, Siring et al 2005) found that 'if the average American adult was to climb just two more minutes of stairs per day, we could burn enough calories to offset the average annual weight gains (pound per year) we see in American adults'. In New York they have 30,000 stair prompts in over 1000 buildings reading 'Burn Calories, Not Electricity. Take the stairs!'. http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/08/04/337126235/one-step-to-combat-obesitymake-stairs-more-attractive. In Stockholm, artists created piano stairs next to an elevator of a train station. It increased use of the stairs by 66%.