University environmental scientists are partnering with PLACED, a local social enterprise, to support an innovative pop-up space, located in the city’s old George Henry Lee building, where members of the public can share their ideas for improving the city centre.
Launched last night, `Ed’s Place’, the creative pop-up space will host workshops, events and exhibitions in addition to special activities for young people and families.
Ed’s Place will run from Saturday, 1st September until Sunday, 23rd September and planned events include family crafts sessions, walking and running tours, creative writing and shared reading groups.
There will be a series of memory sessions where people are invited to share their stories of the city. There will also be a special Afternoon Tea and an evening debate in which anyone from residents, developers and decision makers can sign up to be on the panel. Young people can also take part in a Summer School for future placemakers,
Staff from the Department of Geography and Planning in the School of Environmental Sciences will contribute to the project by connecting and sharing their research in the form of walking tours on the Toxteth riots, running tours of city centre green spaces, and a workshop on the city’s green spaces related the European Commission Horizon 2020 project Urban Green UP. Students from the University will also volunteer their time to discuss development and the city with the public as part of the project.
Dr Sam Hayes, Lecturer in Environmental Planning at the University, said: “Engaging communities in shaping their own places is really important, but the planning system and processes are often complex and hard to access.
“Activities like Ed’s Place are great to demystify planning and help to empower communities to shape their own places. The School of Environmental Sciences is proud to support Ed’s Place to help support community discussion of the future of the city.”
PLACED is an award-winning social enterprise that engages young people in design, planning and development through creative and inclusive education and engage ment programmes.
Founder and Director of PLACED, Jo Harrop, said: “City centres are changing. Shops are not used in the same way and there are lots of empty units going to waste. We believe this is an opportunity for imaginative thinking about how our city centre can be a better place for everyone. We’re going to bring people together in creative ways to think differently about town and share ideas.”
Jo added: “We’re looking for groups and individuals that want to get involved in Ed’s Place. We’re also seeking volunteers and sponsors to grow the programme.”
For full details of opening times and what’s on at Ed’s place visit PLACED website and follow them on social media @PlacedEd
