Spaceshaper - UK Government Web Archive

Spaceshaper

Redcross Way Southwark, London

Client: Southwark Council

Spaceshaper kickstarts a project and brings people together to discuss improving their street Improving the connections between Bankside’s open spaces, plus upgrading safety for young people walking to school, were the aims for a public space project in Southwark. Southwark Council commissioned LARK Landscape Design and Around the Block to develop improvements for a section of Redcross Way.

Workshop aims A Spaceshaper workshop contributed to a wider consultation process. “The Spaceshaper workshop is very well structured,” explains Around the Block director Sue Morgan. “It helps people to see that there is a process and an end goal.” The aim of the workshop was to tap into a wide range of different views, issues and ideas about Redcross Way. “The workshop did indeed raise different perspectives,” says Sue. “For example, residents were able to offer a 24/7 observation on street life, unlike schools and businesses who are only there during the week.”

What happened?

Having a trained facilitator leading the workshop maximised the benefits.

Spaceshaper highlighted the street’s popularity with different users. Participants were less enthusiastic about factors including a lack of sheltered seating and narrow pavements. The Spaceshaper report, plus further involvement particularly with residents, helped to develop proposals for street improvements. “As part of the whole engagement strategy, Spaceshaper was invaluable,” says Sue. “It offered the opportunity to kickstart the project on a level playing field.” Improvement works were completed in May 2010. © CABE Space

Spaceshaper questionnaires were completed, and the results presented to the group, encouraging further debate. “People like seeing the results straight away,” Sue adds.

What were the results?

© Around the Block Ltd.

The workshop kicked off with participants visiting the street. “The site visit gave the opportunity for residents, businesses, schools and council managers to understand the best and worst things about Redcross Way, and agree how to improve it,” Sue says. “It gave residents the chance to discuss issues of illegal parking and traffic violations that council officers and members weren’t aware of.”

“It provides expert experience to lead discussions where participants are reluctant to talk”