Residents’ Recommendations for Community Space

Spaces+Places Session 11

The penultimate session of the Spaces+Places programme was an important moment for the Neighbourhood Stewards.

With the focus on developing a ‘long short-list’ of investment ideas, the session on 21 May brought together all the research and conversations they’ve had over the past few months. It was a lively evening full of energy and teamwork. Group discussions were passionate and purposeful, with each group feeding back their top three ideas for community spaces.

‘Spaces+Places’ is an ambitious project bringing together local people to decide how to invest £1 million in community space in Barking and Dagenham. A group of local people were recruited to build their understanding of local needs and learn about community spaces so they can recommend how to use the money.

The Stewards ideas were a combination of creativity, community need, and potential for impact, including:

• a pop-up container space for community and commerce;
• a multi-purpose creative hub;
• a wellness centre that could generate income into the community;
• a community marketing agency to develop love for the borough; and
• a running event to make use of the green space Barking and Dagenham has to offer!

The idea of finding ways to improve current infrastructure instead of starting from scratch – ‘investing in what we already have’ – really stood out for the Stewards.

The room was full of excitement, and there was  spontaneous applause on more than one occasion!

“The Neighbourhood Stewards’ contributions are invaluable. Their ideas are a bold step towards creating spaces that spark pride, connections and opportunities for the people who call Barking and Dagenham home. This is how impactful community development happens with residents in the lead.”

— Géraud De Ville De Goyet, BD Giving’s CEO

What Happens Next

With the Neighbourhood Stewards’ first ideas now taking shape, their proposals will soon be shared with the BD Giving Board of Trustees.

As this phase draws to a close, the Stewards will come together for one more session to think of next steps,  reflect on their journey and celebrate what they’ve achieved so far. And this is just the beginning! Future phases will continue to be shaped with residents, ensuring local voices shape what comes next.

Read more about Spaces+Places