Our £375,000 lottery-funded green spaces project in Ryton,
Gateshead has beaten off entries across the North and been
shortlisted for a major community award.
Praise for success
The project has been nominated for the TPAS Excellence in the
Community Award for transforming an underused and derelict area.
Prior to our Green Spaces for People project the 180 homes were
surrounded by a tired and unused landscape of grass, paths, trees
and overgrown shrubs.
The project
The aim of the project was to improve landscaping in the area
and tackle the wider issues facing the neighbourhood. Consulting
and engaging with residents was central to the success of the
project. Sarah Knox, from Groundwork, worked with staff and
residents to identify priorities for improvement and worked with
the designer to develop designs which met the community's
aspirations. The final design improved 3 key areas:
- The previously underused green has now become an area for play
and socialising. It includes a play park for tots and teens, a
planting area, a social area with picnic tables and a grassed area
for ball games.
- The gardens of The Croft, a sheltered scheme for elderly
residents, have also been improved. In addition to this there have
been cross-generational activities which have enabled the residents
to pass on their gardening skills to younger people in the area,
helping to break down the barriers between young and old.
- The 'Black Path', a local route which had become an undesirable
area has been substantially improved.
The result
The improvements to the neighbourhood now encourage people to
use, pass through and interact with others and enjoy the open
spaces.
Gordon Dixon, Portfolio
Manager at Places for People
"We're delighted to be shortlisted and are proud of what we've
achieved with our customers at Ryton. We are looking forward to
what will hopefully be a successful evening. It's always great to
be recognised by your peers. The TPAS shortlisting is a big honour
as it shows the positive impact the Green Spaces project has had on
this community."
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on
the 10th February 2012.
