With so much focus on regeneration, economic deprivation and inner city crime (all real issues) a large swathe of social deprivation in suburbia is overlooked. Many young people in relatively well off areas have no social infrastructure and few adults around to inspire or guide them. Along with their comparative affluence and freedom comes the temptation of drink and drugs - readily available in the local park.
We aim to create a locally owned and run dynamic iconic building (a ship out of water, a three storey camper van or crashed UFO) with perhaps community radio, webcasts, recording studio, cafe/bar, performance space, meeting rooms, easyin/easy out business space, sporting facilities - facilities for intergenerational use to encourage young and old to be comfortable and at ease with each other - and learning from each other.
The community through consultation will drive the agenda and manage the facilities on offer. The project has to be commercial and will be a business (investors are interested, our first project is under discussion). Old and young will be encouraged to mix - making their voices heard through radio, webcasts, running the facilities and we hope this intergenerational rsponsibility will foster community safety, trust and pride. Everyone benefits.
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