HeatHfield PaRK community planning workshop report

2.3 cont. Mapping out issues for a neigbourhood planGroup 2The main issues identified by Group 2 includedpoverty and associated social issues, the lackof employment opportunities, the negativeperceptions of Heathfied Park and the absenceof a community ‘hub’ or ‘anchor’. High volumesof traffic and parking management was flaggedup as an issue that required immediate actionnot least to address unsafe crossing points,rat-running and the physical isolation of thecommunity due to arterial routes.The group identified community cohesion asa positive aspect of the area which should beenhanced, especially the strength of the localchurch congregations and other local groups.Possible actions or projects to address suchissues included a Heathfield Park carnival,specifically to celebrate the diversity of the areaand bring residents together.Suggestions to improve the quality of thepublic realm and change the image of thearea included tree-planting, new signage anda community management group. The needfor a ‘community hub’ where all residentscould receive support and advice related toemployment, training, parenting and life skillswas identified by a number of participants.Group 2 also expressed concern as to theirexpertise and knowledge to be able to lead sucha process and put together a neighbourhoodplan. Some felt daunted by the task and feltthat they would need assistance. To this end,an action plan was proposed, specificallyto identify leaders in the community and todetermine what skills, resources and assistancewould be required to create change.Group 3Group 3 identified six key issues: employment,healthy lifestyles, affordable housing,green spaces, neighbourhood identity andconnectivity and transport. To address theseissues, a number of proposals were madeunder the following three themes.Theme 1Create a thriving community witha heart’Identify a new community meetingfacility-with facilities for all agesand activitiesCreate new walkable pedestriancycle routes linking a new healthcentre, community centre, shopsand facilities; leisure hub and a newinnovation parkCreate appropriate housing mixincluding family housing by removingwalk way bridges on Heath TownEstate, reconfiguring the maisonetteblocks on Heath Town Estate tovertical houses. Aspirations toincrease the provision of privategarden space and strike a balancebetween the provision of carparking and shared space were alsohighlightedTheme 2Access to Employment andTrainingCreate an innovation centre (focusingon light industry) on existing vacantland which would have links to theUniversity and New Cross Hospital.Increase access to and the provisionof training to improve the skill setof the local community and enablethem to contribute to University andHospital research initiativesOutreach and training programmesfocusing on IT skills, an adulteducation centre and Englishlanguage coursesTheme 3:Healthy Living ProgrammeSelf-build project as affordablehousing or community land trustCreation of an exercise circuit oroutdoor gym in one of the openspacesActivities to encourage cycling andwalking and linking these to thedevelopment of green corridorsIntegration of Tessa SandersonSports Academy and community‘health care coaches’Food diversity events or festivals topromote healthy eating and promotethe diverse identities represented inthe neighbourhoodabove; workshop drawing BY GROUP 3.HEATHFIELD PARK community planning workshop report 25