Transformation planned for neglected Brighton street (From The Argus)

Transformation planned for neglected Brighton street

1:50pm Thursday 13th September 2012 in News By Tim Ridgway, Local government reporter

An area of Brighton is to be transformed as part of a new project being hailed the first of its kind in the city.

Brighton and Hove City Council is transforming a neglected space in front of St Bartholomew’s Church in Brighton as part of a two-week experiment.

Building students from City College Brighton and Hove will put their skills to use into creating a people-friendly space in Ann Street and the park by the church.

The space is set to be transformed with installations including a small stage, an art wall, free Wifi, a green play area and different types of seating.

If the features are well-received, they could become a permanent feature of the city.

The council is now seeking |volunteers willing to give up their time for free to help with the two-week temporary trial transformation of the area.

Any volunteers will need to commit to a two-hour workshop during the week starting September 24 in a venue near the Providence Gardens area, and a minimum of four hours and maximum of 24 hours any time between October 1 and 14.

Earlier this year the council held a competition inviting architects, designers, artists and event programmers to submit ideas to enhance the area as part of the £250,000 project.

Searching for success

The council received 38 proposals and five were shortlisted.

The winning team of Plan Projects and Luis Trevino Architects will now be working with local people, businesses and the council through the Providence Place Forum to make their proposal a reality.

After the trial has finished, the installations will be removed and the project will be evaluated with a view to making the most successful features permanent.

Deputy council leader Phélim MacCafferty said: “This is the first project of its kind in Brighton and Hove to involve the local community in every stage in the process and the winning proposal will continue that involvement.

“The ‘Common Room’ idea is also providing opportunities to use the local talent we have in our creative and digital industries for the benefit of local people and the wider community.

“If this approach proves to be successful it could provide a new way of working with communities to involve local people in the process of transforming underused public space into a valuable community asset.”

To volunteer complete an online form at the council’s website by no later than Sunday, September 16.