RESIDENTS are being invited to play their part in shaping the future of the Central 6 area of Warrington.
The borough council is currently developing a design code for the Central 6 wards with an initial focus on Fairfield and Howley, Latchford East and Latchford West – and wants the community to have their say.
Design codes help shape places, supporting vibrant and healthy communities by guiding the development of new homes and better public spaces, all while enhancing local character.
In order to develop a plan that meets the local needs, it is crucial that residents are central to the plans – and the council has teamed up with students from The University of Sheffield to deliver a range of community engagement events.
The students – who are all studying for their Master’s degrees in Architecture, are leading two community engagement workshops in the Central 6 area on the following dates:
• Wednesday October 23, 2pm-3.30pm -– Westy Community Centre, WA4 1TA
• Thursday October 24, 6pm–7.30pm – St James’ Church, WA4 6PS
Supported by council planning officers, the events will give local people the opportunity to share what different places mean to them – what’s important, what could be improved, what defines a place.
Under the themes of sense of place, use of space, natural space and safety, people will be asked to map out their area and contribute their thoughts about a range of issues, such as what buildings and spaces they identify with, where they most visit and why, how well local space is used, their favourite green spaces and how safe they feel in the area.
The workshops will help the council understand how people currently perceive their local environment, which in turn will help shape the design code for the area.
If you’d like to attend any of the events, there’s no need to book. Just go along.
As part of their community engagement work, the students are also setting up community “pop-up shops”, with a range of materials available for people to interact with, including posters, discussion boards, maps and post-it note exercises.
The pop-up shops will be running, all day as follows:
• Pavilion Tea Rooms, St Elphin’s Park, WA1 3GF – Wednesday 23 – Wednesday October 30. The students will be on-site on Wednesday October 23 from 2pm-3.30pm, to speak to visitors and provide information and guidance on engaging with the activities.
• Community Shop Bewsey, WA5 0BA – Wednesday October 23 – Wednesday October 30
The students will also be engaging with schools, along with faith groups. All the views and feedback collated will feed into the final design code for area.
In addition, the students are running a photography showcase, where people can send in photos of what is important to them in the wards of Fairfield and Howley, and East and West Latchford. If you’d like to take part, you can submit images via direct message on Instagram @warringtondesigncode and on Facebook – or you can tag your image with #warringtondesigncode
As well as the community engagement events, a survey has been set up. This gives people the opportunity to share their views on the places, spaces and character of the Central 6 area and what is important to them. It’s open until Friday November 1.
Cllr John Kerr-Brown (pictured) , the council’s cabinet member responsible for planning policy and development, said: “We are developing a design code for Central 6 and we want to hear from you! Join us at one of our community workshops, visit a pop-up shop or take part in our survey to share your vision for the future of the area.
“Your input will help us create a design code that reflects the unique character and needs of our community. Whether you’re passionate about preserving historic buildings, enhancing green spaces and local facilities, or improving safety, your voice matters. Let’s work together to build a better future for everyone.”
4 Comments
Why are WBC resurrecting this mad idea
You were told last time nobody wants it !
WBC wasting tax payers money AGAIN
This was always going to happen.
I don’t understand what this is about. WBC have made a mess of there planning strategy that is wrecking the borough especially from a nature conservation nation point of view.
This sounds like an academic exercise to me for student from Sheffield gathering info for design in 90 minute segments on two Wednesdays one of which has gone
I spent a week on my geograph and economics over 19 days doing similar work on field studies in Cromer and Exeter.
Given the consultation for the grand plan was a waste of time – it was a case of who has the land and what plans do you have fiasco …. All that seemed to come out of the last central 6 was plant holders to block the roads that have been abandoned and car centric Peel Hall what have the residents of Fairfield and howley where I chair a charity tot to look forward to? Consultation seems to be well we did ask but did we listen to you ?
What concerns me is the lack and timing of the notice for the meetings 2 days notice ?
Really is this enough ? I don’t think so ?
It shows how eager WBC are to push these things through they don’t want to consider residents opinions
Just playing lip service to us disgusting