Hornsey Parish Church 60/60 Community Engagement. Phases 1-3, Sep 2017 Feb 2018 Summary Report. Naomi Ferguson, Victoria Maynard

Transcription

1 Hornsey Parish Church 60/60 Community Engagement Phases 1-3, Sep 2017 Feb 2018 Summary Report Naomi Ferguson, Victoria Maynard

2 Strategy Why engage stakeholders? And how? The purpose of the community engagement at Hornsey Parish Church ( HPC ) was to: 1. explain the need for the project Hornsey Parish Church 60/60 and generate excitement about the opportunities it offers. 2. raise awareness of current and future community resources at HPC. 3. listen to the church community and local people, and demonstrate that their voices are welcome. 4. create the best design solution to meet the needs of the different stakeholders. 5. provide reassurance and allay fears. 6. meet the requirements of Haringey Council The methods used were: PHASE 1 Sept focus group discussions and structured interviews with regular users An open meeting for local residents and businesses with facililtated feedback posters feedback posters for congregation members to use after services The questions posed sought to : PHASE 1 - understand: currentusers impressionsof the site as it is their initial ideas of how it could be improved, ideas for new activities or facilities at Hornsey Parish Church Stakeholders initial hopes for and concerns about the project PHASE 2 Oct A World Café style design workshop for regular users PHASE 3 Nov Jan A public exhibition about HPC 60/60 and the engagement activities heldtodate ALL PHASES Leaflets and posters about the project and events, coverage on the existing HPC website, a dedicated project newsletter, coverage in the parish newsletter and on social media PHASE 2 draw out detailed information about how current users imagined the spaces in the scheme should function and their relationships to each otherandtothestreetfronts explore their ideas of which spaces to prioritise and whether HPC should focus on supporting a particular group/groups in the community introduce them to some of the trade-offs that arise in reconciling the brief requirements and accompany them in envisaging change PHASE 3 No questions were put to visitors as this was primarily an informationsharing exercise and an opportunity for stakeholders to pose their own questions and highlight any issues they should wish to. 2

3 Who was consulted?...and how? Influence High Archdeacon s Office St Mary s Primary Local schools Neighbours, businesses, Residents Associations PCC/ Standing Com. Congregation (regulars) Haringey Council / Local councillors GLA Hornsey Historical Society Children and youth groups Focus groups / interviews Workshop Project newsletters Information and feedback posters following church services Focus groups Workshop Project newsletters s, phone calls, presentations and meetings Project newsletters open meeting Project newsletters Letters Meetings as appropriate Low Low Congregation (events) Monument Conservationists Neighbouring churches Interest Congregation (detached) Hall users High All stakeholders: Public exhibition Coverage of project in/on: HPC web page Social media Parish newsletters 3

4 Hornsey Parish Church 60/60 Community Engagement Phase 1 The PHASE 1 activities were to help us understand: current users impressions of the site as it is their initial ideas of how it could be improved, ideas for new activities or facilities at Hornsey Parish Church Stakeholders initial hopes for and concerns about the project The following events and activities were held: Focus Groups with congregation members: Meeting point lunch (congregation members and volunteers). The Parochial Church Council (PCC) Interviews with existing hirers of the community spaces and local councillors: Hornsey Pensioners Action Group (regular users) North London Conservatoire Kindergarten - formerly Colourstrings (long-term tenants) Local councillors P. Connor, J. Mann, A. Jogee of Hornsey and Muswell Hill wards Hornsey Explorer Scouts Unit coordinator (regular users) Ballet School director (long-term tenant). Eddie the Music Man (runs a pre-school group in the hall) Organizers of the Car Boot Sale and the Vintage Market (periodic hirer) Feedback posters: congregation members attending services at HPC Barn dance (public event) 24 to Local Residents and Businesses open meeting

5 Sessions with regular users Introductory talk about the project Focus group: discussion Focus group: recording ideas Focus group: recording ideas feedback posters in lunch room Hornsey Pensioners Action Group Feedback Session 5

6 Local Residents and Businesses Open Meeting Informing about the project Gathering feedback Graphic recording of comments Discussions 6

7 01: Comments about the existing site Regular users were asked first to explain what they liked about the existing site and why; then the problems the site and buildings had currently and then to suggest solutions and improvements to be made. 7

8 Summary Findings phase 1 The phase 1 activities reached a wide cross-section of current users - congregation members and hirers of the community spaces - as well as local residents, local businesses and the ward councillors, in an intense series of activities on different days and of different formats that were held between the 20 th and 30 th of September Respondents were overwhelmingly positive about the opportunities presented by HPC 60/60, while they also recorded their affection for many features of the existing site and facilities. 01: Comments about the existing site What is it important to retain? The church building and chapels were shown to be highly valued among all groups, with participants commenting on their beauty, historical memory and the uplifting, peaceful atmosphere in them all. The chapels were seen to complement the main body of the church, offering spaces of different sizes more suitable for smaller group worship, and higher comfort levels. The church room is heavily used by the congregation and is wellloved as a space for social activities and hospitality. Its size, location, kitchen facilities, warmth, and the beauty of the Stationers window were noted as key features. The dance studio is described as beautiful. The Gardenis also appreciated, although noted to be inaccessible and underused. Many features of the site were also highly valued by hirers: -the location of HPC - having on-site parking -the size and robustness of the hall - the accessibility of the hall for wheelchair users -having a range of spaces of different sizes -the dance studio- sprung floor, good size, good light - affordable rents Why make changes? There was widespread consensus that HPC 60/60 represented an exciting opportunity for HPC to make some very necessary improvements. Specific drivers for change included: Building entrances -trip hazards (steps / narrow staircases) and inaccessible to wheelchair users (except for hall) -no buffer zone between hall entrance and the car park (dangerous for children) - lack of control over people entering the site and buildings Need for useful lobby spaces in all the buildings -waiting spaces, to manage flows in and out, - for display - buggy stores circulation across the site: -Labyrinthine, difficult to navigate, lack of signage -Spaces are disconnected, hence the hall does not feel part of the church -inaccessible for wheelchairs and trolleys - circulation between buildings is all external Insufficient storage in all areas Toilets and hall kitchen old, small, do not provide all the required facilities (e.g. baby changing facilities, disabled access) Poor control of temperature and natural light throughout Auxiliary spaces in the church -vestry too small, new spaces needed (private meeting rooms) The exterior of the site is uninviting, poorly lit and does not express either the beauty of the interior or give an indication of the activities happening on site. 8

9 02: Local Needs 03: Hopes and concerns The congregation, hirers of the community spaces, local residents and local councillors were asked their ideas on which groups of people are in particular need in the parish and what activities or facilities could be provided at HPCforthem. The PCC, hirers of the community spaces, local councillors and local residents were asked about their hopes for and concerns about: the construction phase of the project when the new buildings are in operation during construction when finished Group in Need Activity / facilities to provide for them HOPES CONCERNS HOPES CONCERNS 9

10 Summary Findings phase 1 02: Local needs Local councillors and residents highlighted the potential for HPC to become a community hub bringing people together across this culturally and socially diverse area. The project was also seen as an opportunity to address social problems caused by a lack of affordable housing and cuts in the public provision of services locally, especially for the elderly and young people. Current users commented that they did not feel well-informed on local needs and that HPC should consult with external community organisations to find out more. Among users and local residents, the groups most commented on were - teenagers / youth - The homeless / precariously housed / first time buyers - The elderly, especially those who are socially isolated Young children were also suggested although there were differing opinions as to whether this group was already well-served locally. Other groups suggested included: local community organisations, mental health and dementia sufferers, ethnic minorities The idea of including residential units was well received, both in response to local need and as a logical way to finance the project. Suggestions about future revenue sources included: -Concert venue / exhibition spaces for local musicians and artisans - Improving the hall s usefulness as a hireable party venue -Potential of the site as a good wedding venue Creating a community hub: leisure, music and social activities for all ages; a drop-in café 03: Hopes and concerns Participants were very positive about the potential of the project, with hopes far outweighing concerns for both phases of the project. Concerns about the construction phase included: Noise Disruption of activities on site and for residents Site traffic dangers Parking problems Hopes for construction: Quick and well-managed Limited disruption Concerns about the outcome of the project: Loss of community spaces Rents becoming unaffordable Greater demand for parking Hopes for the project: That it will result in a more attractive and inviting site and buildings That the facilities will be better suited to the activities on site That HPC can become a community hub, reaching more people in the community Improvements in accessibility, lighting and signage throughout The chance for an attractive, modern, eco building in keeping with the architecture of the church A chance to provide affordable housing 10

11 Hornsey Parish Church Community Engagement Phase 2 The aims of the Phase 2 were to: draw out detailed information about how current users imagined the spaces in the scheme should function and their relationships to each other and to the street fronts explore their ideas of which spaces to prioritize and whether HPC should focus on supporting a particular group/groups in the community introduce them to some of the trade-offs that arise in reconciling the brief requirements and accompany them in envisaging change The following events and activities were held: A World Café style workshop for current users (lunchtime and evening sessions)

12 Workshop Content Participants were invited to participate in a game in groups to design a proposal for HPC 60/60. Each group was given three instruction cards, a blank site plan and a set of cardboard boxes to represent the different spaces they could choose to include in their scheme. The church had to be retained in its current position but the rest was up to them. STAGE 3 Design the street fronts and decide who can share which spaces. i. Which spaces should be closest to Park Road and Cranley Gardens? Think about where people would access the buildings and which spaces would be best suited to being on the street front and which would be better tucked away. ii. Which spaces can be shared between different types of users (worshippers, parish staff, volunteers; community groups; commercial hirers)? Add more coloured stripes to the boxes to show the users. 12

13 Design Workshops Workshop materials Group work underway Recording ideas Working through the tasks One of the proposals Voting for the best proposal 13

14 Summary Findings phase 2 Phase 2 consisted of a design workshop for current users run twice on the 18 th October Presented as an exercise in blue sky thinking, participants took the opportunity to explore how they currently use the site and how it could be re-imagined. Themes of discussion that arose included how to make the different spaces on site feel more connected; how to make the site more attractive and welcoming; which of the activities should be expressed on the street fronts and what image to convey; and how to make the facilities relevant to the local community. 01: How would you make HPC unique? Who are you building for and what would you provide for them? Having a target demographic for the facilities at HPC could help to define more precisely what spaces are needed and with what characteristics, to clarify a plan for revenue streams and to define a unique selling point. Suggestions from the phase 2 activities included: Having facilities for children, young people and the elderly on site and fostering shared activities between the different age groups Renewing the Mission focus on children and young people with the provision of a children s sacred space, as well as a drop-in centre with sofas, homework space and games Responding to the large number of creative professionals in the local community by enhancing the church so that it can be used as a performance space and also providing purpose-built performance space in the community hall. 02a: Priority spaces What spaces to include? Participants prioritized the following spaces, in this order: 1. a large community hall 2. 1or2secondary halls/largeroomsforchurchandcommunityuse 3. parish office 4. 1or2meeting roomsforchurchuseand(once)commercialuse 5. A coffee point / lobby extension at the southern end of the church to create a welcoming social space visible from the exterior, perhaps serving additionally as a crèche or a dining space for church lunches. 6. commercial units for office or nursery tenants, retail or café premises, a hot-desking hub or music rehearsal/recording rooms 7. Kitchens. kitchen facilities for the church: theimportance of having a dedicated kitchen for church use was identified to enable church events, lunches and refreshments to take place when the hall is hired out. Many schemes also included a catering kitchen for the hall, to be hired out with it for events. 8. Specialized facilities: Children s sacred space Drop-in centres for children/ mental health sufferers Day-centre for elderly with dementia An informal, more accessible worship space Workshop for training young people in manual skills Music rehearsal/recording rooms for community use 14

15 Summary Findings phase 2 02b: How to connectthe spaces 03: Street fronts a central courtyard was a key feature of most of the schemes, with the idea that it could be a peaceful space representing the worshipping heart of the site and bringing together the users of the site; enabling visual connections between the buildings to make them appear connected, more inviting and the site more navigable. creating new church entranceswas also a common feature of the proposals: in the eastern wall to bring activity to the central courtyard after services and to increase the connection of the church and community spaces; in the western wall to add functionality for church services and performances. How to front Park Road was a key theme. Ideas included: creating a busy facadeby locating the hall and commercial premises there. It was also considered useful for the commercial premises (and in some cases the hall) to have direct, independent access from Park Rd; Protecting the rest of the site from the noise of the road by locating the more noise-tolerant functionsthere (hall, housing, commercial /office premises); having a direct entrance into the central courtyard off Park Rd having sightlinesto the church, and into the central courtyard from Park Rd; locating church functions such as the parish office or a secondary, more informal/social worship space close to Park Road to make the church activity more visible. 15

16 Hornsey Parish Church Community Engagement Phase 3 The aims of Phase 3 were to: Feed back to stakeholders about the progress of the project and the engagement activities held to date and to give them an opportunity to ask their own questions and highlight any issues they should wish to. The following events and activities were held: An exhibition about the project, at the locations and dates listed below HPC Christmas Market Hornsey Parish Church Hornsey Parish Church Hall The Fish Palace, Park Road (local business) St Mary s Primary School (about the project and project timeline only) to Jan 2018 Jan 2018 Jan 2018

17 Exhibition Content Theexhibitionpresentedanintroductiontotheproject: its aims, vision and a timeline showing what had been done so far and what was to come a summary of the feedback received from the consultations together with the decisions the development group had taken on that feedback at the Christmas Market, visitors were also able to meet the architect and discuss the ideas being exploring for the scheme over some initial massing models 17

18 The Christmas Market Facilitated exhibition, meet the architect and A3 exhibition panels on tables Engaging visitors in discussions Talking visitors through the exhibition Discussions with the architect Leaving comments The event was well attended 18

19 Summary Findings phase 3 The exhibition, on site from the end of November 2017 to the beginning of February 2018 and presented at a number of different events and locations throughout January, reached a greater number and wider range of stakeholders than earlier activities. Though primarily for sharing information rather than collecting it, visitors were invited to raise any issues they felt strongly about. The engagement of more children at the Christmas Market led to more comments than previously gathered in support of retaining the Marian Centre building, while the residents association committee shared their analysis of issues to consider. Feedback was positive about the general principles of the scheme - in particular the inclusion of housing- and about the engagement activities held to date. A new community hall with a kitchen was seen as a potentially valuable community asset. Suggestions for new uses included bringing farmers or craft markets to the site and pop-up restaurants. Concern was expressed by users of the Marian Centre building - a dance studio hirer and children who attend the Sunday school - about the possibility that it could be demolished. The historical and architectural value of the building was commented upon and the children referred to their emotional connection to the space and its functionality for the youth activities currently held there. Cranley Gardens Residents Association Committee In a detailed document the committee explored their reflections on the project. They welcomed the following general principles of the scheme: the idea of redeveloping the community hall that the scheme be self-financing the inclusion of different sizes of community rooms making the whole site accessible highlighted concerns relating to: parking and congestion the impact of construction the potential impact of more intensive use of the facilities proposed new public space(the courtyard) street frontages provided suggestions about: the new buildings reflecting the architecture of the church and the dance studio the environmental credentials of the new buildings community engagement going forward 19