Urban Design Task Group Bristol

 
When a developer wants to buy and build on a site they are obliged to consult with the local community. The current consultation process is long and complicated. This does not make it financially viable for developers and other organisations in the construction industry to procure  schemes. This, in addition to the current financial climate, prevents economic growth and positive development in Easton.

The strategic document proposed would aid urban regeneration in a positive and holistic way which benefits the community and the developer as the document would have a single cohesive vision. A clearly defined usage plan for Easton will make the consultation and planning process much easier, controlled and well defined.

This gives local residents more power at the planning stage – making a clear impact on the decision making process.

• Objectives: The Love Easton Urban Design Task Group’s objective is to work in a small group to find pioneering and innovative ways to encourage the community to have their say and be involved in the consultation process to transform their neighbourhood.  The group aims to work with the local community to create a shared vision for Easton. To start the process there are no preconceptions about what should come out of the year long consultation process. The starting point is to find out what local people have to say about their neighbourhood – through collating this information we can start to develop ideas for Easton’s Future.

New ways of working – We aim to position local people at the centre of a partnership with the Council, other agencies and city wide institutes.

A dynamic process – This refers to a Top Down Bottom Up vision: at a city level there are strategic (top down) opportunities to be seized by the community, so long as they fit the needs and aspirations identified locally (bottom up). The aim of the strategic document is to bring these two together into a single vision.

New ways of talking – We aim to use artists and facilitators to open up dialogue between local people and professionals. Games and structured events will be used to generate ideas and collate information.

New ways of mapping – The starting point is to find out what local people think, feel and want from their neighbourhood. New mapping techniques will be used to analyse residents’ responses, drawing out themes and important information missed by conventional reports. Areas of contention (such as Old Market/ West Street) would require debate and compromise but with a one-vision outcome. The usage of every pocket of Easton would be mapped with precision for today and future generations to reap the benefits of a well planned neighboured.

Creating a shared vision – One of the key objectives of developing a community vision is to start the process of breaking down conflicting interests that have posed barriers to progress. Conflicting ideas have meant that retail units lie empty with no economic growth. There is recognition to build consensus and most importantly for all interested parties to continue working together in one direction; developing the vision further and starting to implement positive action supported by all.

Walk-about and mapping – A walk about the area identifying key issues with a detailed photographic survey highlighting both positive and negative things about the area would act as useful tool. Key threads could then be mapped.

Consultation strategy – A range of consultation strategies will be agreed and dates set up for future consultation events. The aim would be to have a local residents from all neighbourhoods participating.