Flower Colonies Contra-Plan

Creating a safer and friendly neighbourhood, with a strong sense of community for the Flower Colonies Area depends on a positive attitude and the running of activities that represent as wide an audience as possible. This will develop the area as an even better place to be. In the case of the planned development of the old biscuit factory, which lies right at the heart of the area, we believe the design should consider three values:

• the city’s need for housing,
  
• the need for a viable business model for its owners, and
  
• the needs and attitudes of local people.
  

The developer’s architect has not involved any local consultation, and we have objected strongly to their design through the official channels, and will continue to do so (read more about our objections here).


Positive action
But to demonstrate that local residents are in favour of development, in moving forward to satisfy all parties, we have begun a positive set of activities to produce our own design. We are confident that we can do a better job and have started a programme of community-led activities. The core of this is at present is series of friendly, fun and facilitated public meetings with as many local residents as possible, in co-operation with skilled advisers in architecture and urban planning.


Our last activities


At the first facilitated meeting on the 12th January, we collected ideas from over 36 participants who shared 189 ideas in a fun, interactive and very positive way. Our architectural advisers took away a whole bundle of post-it notes and posters and will return with grouped themes at the next meeting.



History of the contra-plan
January 2010 – First public meeting, second public meeting, website established (http://www.flowercolonies.org.uk/)
December 2009 – Contra-plan sub-group set up under the guidance of the committee


Our advisers
Duncan Whatmore – Architect and master urban designer www.duncanwhatmore.com
Ross McEwan – Urban design consultant www.jumpleith.co.uk
Shaeron Averbuch – Public artist www.artinarchitecture.co.uk