Investment Group HEIP Tour November 2015

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Arline Golden
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1 Investment Group HEIP Tour November 2015 Introduction and Background During the October 2015 Groundwork Investment Meeting it was agreed that the members of the group should visit the funded projects from the previous year 2014/2015. Previous Group members had historically participated in annual tours of the funded sites, however it was noted that they were not well attended as the current tour, 80% of the Group (residents) attended. The aim of the tour for the new group was to ensure that both previous members and recently appointed members could: View the completed projects Ensure that the projects had fulfilled their original proposals Inspect the quality of the materials used and standard of workmanship The Investment group members are as follows: John Ryan Arlington House - North (South Hammersmith) - CHAIR Kim Shearer Aspen Gardens - North (South Hammersmith) VICE CHAIR Karen Miller Ashcroft Square - North (South Hammersmith) Pauline Hardinge Edward Woods - North (South Hammersmith) Roberto Chitti Becklow Gardens - North (Hammersmith North) Ray Champion Ash Lodge - South (Fulham North) Marilyn Mackie Vereker Road - South (Fulham North) Keith Harris Milshott Close - South (Fulham North) Tom Flynn Jepson House - South (South Fulham) Linda Lapham Philpot Square - South (South Fulham) Council Officers Daniel Miller (DM) - Service Improvement & Resident Involvement Manager, Michelle Samuel (MS) - Community Engagement Officer (minutes) Groundwork London Nicola Wheeler (NW) Community Manager Daniel Brittle (DB) Community Project Assistant Sanchia Dunn (SD) Senior Landscape Architect

2 The Itinerary The Itinerary was recommended by Groundwork, but the transportation for the group to each of the projects was provided by Estate Services. There was a logical progression from North to South of the borough: 10am 10:45am 11:15am 12pm 12:30pm 1:15pm 1:45pm 2:15pm 2:45pm 3pm - Queen Caroline Life/Food Growing Project - William Church Play Ground - Kelmscott Garden Outdoor Gym - White City Active Plaza - Lunch Break North Area Housing Office White City Estate - Batman Close Wildflower Area - Browning Court Garden - Lancaster Court Food Growing, Community Orchard and Natural Play Area - Richard Knight House Life/Food Growing Project - Tour ends Queen Caroline Estate Life and Food Growing Project The HEIP funding was used to provide: 1. Living roofs to 5 pram sheds (5 locations) 2. Food growing project 3. Drainage solutions through landscaping Unfortunately, the living roofs could not be viewed during the tour. To view all five locations the group would have required first floor access from each of the facing blocks. The growing project was viewed and inspected by the group. There was clear evidence of food growing. All planters were well tended (i.e. weeded and free from wind-blown rubbish). The materials used to construct the planters appeared strong and well-made. When asked about resident involvement, the Group were informed that one of the residents regularly picked the peppers and other year-round growing foods. The Groundwork representative provided the group with a clear and informative brief on the historical need to address the drainage problems experienced by residents when accessing the communal garden area. The representative provided the group with a full explanation on how the drainage was permanently addressed, provided technical information with regard to why specific materials were used.

Queen Caroline HEIP Projects 2014/2015 Food Growing Project Drainage Solution through landscaping Recommendations and Suggestions It was noted by one member that there was no seating

A suggestion was made by another member that perhaps the Queen Caroline TRA could look at presenting a bid for the next financial year to address this.

It was suggested that a sign or notice be displayed to publicise when residents could meet and work within the garden together.

It featured a bridge which was placed across the river. Unfortunately it was not clear to the Group that this was a separately funded project.

3 Queen Caroline HEIP Projects 2014/2015 Food Growing Project Drainage Solution through landscaping Recommendations and Suggestions It was noted by one member that there was no seating provided within either project area, and was this a design feature? It was confirmed by the Groundwork representative that it wasn t a design feature. A suggestion was made by another member that perhaps the Queen Caroline TRA could look at presenting a bid for the next financial year to address this. There was very little evidence of the number of residents involved in the foodgrowing project. It was suggested that a sign or notice be displayed to publicise when residents could meet and work within the garden together. Other funded projects on the Queen Caroline site Adjacent to the garden area, a community garden was also show-cased. This garden was very modern and mimicked a dry river or stream. It featured a bridge which was placed across the river. Unfortunately it was not clear to the Group that this was a separately funded project. Residents remarked at the high quality of the materials used for both the ground surface and bridge. The feature garden was lowmaintance and was also installed to treat the previous drainage problems. There was no seating sited within this area. Seating would need to be designed into all three areas, in keeping with the landscaping and quality of materials used within each funded project. Queen Caroline Community Garden

Queen Caroline Community Garden The William Church Estate Play Ground Project The main feature of the

4 Queen Caroline Community Garden The William Church Estate Play Ground Project The main feature of the project was to replace and upgrade the existing playground and aesthetics around the playground and family garden area. The group were impressed with the standard of workmanship, and the level of detail attributed to the project. There was particular attention paid to the wooden fencing forming the boundary to the play and garden areas. The wooden fencing softened the landscape, appearing to almost merge into the background and in keeping with the whole development. A real change to the traditional iron railings, which normally form the boundary around gardens and play areas. The playground bins were a new addition, with a separation to general and recycling items. Encouraging users of the garden to think about how and what was disposed of when using the garden area. No recommendations or suggestions were made by the Group. William Church Play Ground Trim Trail Garden Seat and Table and turn table in background Playground bins

Resurfaced play areas New fencing Resurface to play area Use of natural wood Landscape

within a grassed area towards the back of the estate.

Although the equipment was well constructed, its location could have been sited more

The equipment was installed directly onto the grass to the far end of the boundary,

When the group arrived, no one was using the equipment, and it wasn t evident how often

The entrance gate to the grassed area was tied securely with a bicycle/suitcase strap.

Therefore during the winter months, the equipment may well have been inaccessible.

5 Resurfaced play areas New fencing Resurface to play area Use of natural wood Landscape view of garden area Kelmscott Garden Outdoor Gym The area of the project was located within a grassed area towards the back of the estate. The project allowed for four heavy duty outdoor gym items to be housed there. Although the equipment was well constructed, its location could have been sited more constructively. There was only a metre or so between each piece of equipment. The equipment was installed directly onto the grass to the far end of the boundary, without a concrete or soft surface to stand on when transferring to each item. When the group arrived, no one was using the equipment, and it wasn t evident how often the equipment was used. The entrance gate to the grassed area was tied securely with a bicycle/suitcase strap. To access the equipment, the user would have to walk onto the grassed area. Therefore during the winter months, the equipment may well have been inaccessible. There were no warning signs as to when it was not safe to use the equipment i.e. slippery surfaces or the recommended time limit to use each piece of equipment, if being used by a beginner. View of the equipment Stepper and Rowing Machine

Recommendations and Suggestions Improve informational signage within the gym area Provide stepping stones to and between the gym equipment to support usage following wet weather.

6 Recommendations and Suggestions Improve informational signage within the gym area Provide stepping stones to and between the gym equipment to support usage following wet weather. Apply for funding to support a community circuit training club and increase the usage of the equipment. The White City Active Plaza A well placed and designed area, with footpath to and from each of the 10 items of equipment. The area was not gated, and was positioned to the side of the North Area Housing Office on a grassed area off Australia Road. The area was partially covered by the two mature trees, which would provide a shade in the summer months To the left of the Plaza, a stone table for chess/draughts games along with stationary stone seats were also provided. Recommendations There were two large mature trees within the plaza. While the group viewed the equipment it was noted that some of the branches from one of these trees had partially broken and could be a risk to users if it was not pruned. White City Active Plaza

Lancaster Court Food Growing, Community Orchard and Natural Play Area This was a collection of

The estate benefited from 4 bug hotels, which blended in well with the landscape and were very

The erection of a hexagon pagoda, planting of linear orchard and natural play area Apple Tree

found a number of issues in terms of the standard of workmanship within the rear garden; pagoda,

The pagoda had not been finished well; nails were not flush with surfaces, the structure

7 Lancaster Court Food Growing, Community Orchard and Natural Play Area This was a collection of four project areas, which improved the gardens of the estate (front and rear). The estate benefited from 4 bug hotels, which blended in well with the landscape and were very innovative, including the use of a piano in one case. The erection of a hexagon pagoda, planting of linear orchard and natural play area Apple Tree Food Growing Project Bugs Hotel Children s play area Recommendations and Observations The Group found a number of issues in terms of the standard of workmanship within the rear garden; pagoda, pathway and growing boxes. The pagoda had not been finished well; nails were not flush with surfaces, the structure appeared disjointed, and overall the result of the workmanship had reduced the lifespan of the resource. Although the pathway had been laid in July 2015, it was already visible that the materials used were of a lower standard than expected. This was a difficult pathway to maintain, with a number of weeds already growing within the newly laid path. Groundwork advised that they would raise these concerns with the contractors. Members showed concerns over sustainability of the growing garden, and what the TRA had planned in terms of retaining resident interest in maintaining this project. Pathway Pagoda Growing boxes

Living Roof over pram shed Browning Court Garden This is an enclosed scheme.

8 Richard Knight House Life/Food Growing Project This project was initially 4 living roofs, and drainage solution through landscaping. The group raised questions as to why this project had been approved for such a large spend in relation to the; number of properties on the site (8), the majority of households were leaseholders. Living Roof over pram shed Browning Court Garden This is an enclosed scheme. The project was funded in partnership between Groundwork and MITIE and Included a greenhouse, planters, and seating area with pagoda. A very high standard of workmanship was evident. The garden was very clean and well kept. A member of the group advised that this only worked well here, because it was a closed garden, with no access to nonresidents. Garden Area Batman Close Wildflower Area This project was located inside the estate, on the main green space. Unfortunately, the area had not taken well to the additional planting during the summer. There was no signage to engage local residents and non-residents visiting the area. It was observed that the area was being used by local dog owners, due to its easy access into the wildflower area. Investment Group Suggestions Following the Special Investment Group meeting held on 22 nd February 2016, it was suggested that contractors providing a good service and good workmanship should be placed on a priority list.

Queen Caroline Estate, London

Queen Caroline Estate, London SuDS used Green roofs Rain gardens Basins Permeable paving Benefits 1. Location Reduction in flooding from intense rainfall. Reduced surface water pollution to receiving water