Newtown: Morale Boost

Research aim: To identify the key issues and concerns regarding housing, the community space, and the impact of the cycle path’s use on the surrounding park. Then to produce an all-inclusive proposal to boost the morale of Newtown’s community which would improve its boundary structures and make better use of its surrounding public spaces.

THE Client: Debbie Benjamin (Newtown Resident)

THE TEAM: Jalp Patel, Jack Rogers, John Ramos, and Tinashe Bhunu (UWE Master of Architecture Students)

 

Introduction & Context

Newtown, an area approximately 6.4 hectares of Community Housing which lays to the east of Bristol’s city centre & west of Lawrence Hill bordered by the A420; being a part of the Old Market District. The issues in Newtown are a result of neglect; that is lack of enforcement and maintenance of the cycle path in the park and the council maintained green spaces within the residential area. Additionally, anti-social behaviour is exacerbated by the dark alleyways due to the lack of streetlights which creates an unsafe environment for the residents.

Moreover, the restrictions of COVID-19 have had a negative impact to the community of Newtown allowing the area to feel further neglected and amplifies the issues in the area and there is a lack of actions from the council that would help and benefit the people of Newtown.

Proposed Park Plan 1.png

Mission

Try to engage with the community of Newtown through activities which allow for creativity and free expression and create a network which allows for the community to take initiative and act themselves. We aim to make the community feel listened to and valued and to form a detailed plan to build a safe and vibrant place for its residents.

Aims

• Posters and flyers informing community of our work

• Community consultation through activity and online platforms and forums.

• Installation in courtyards to explore how the residents might better utilise the space.

• Community action: gardening as a means of taking ownership of space and community investment in building their desired space.

• Outward facing posters as propaganda to improve external awareness of Newtown.

• Seek council investment in repairing fence panels and street lighting.

• Development of phased masterplan as a roadmap to the goals set out by the community.