Idea Store Whitechapel
Date: 19 July 2008
Time: 9.00am - 6.00pm
Location: Idea Store Whitechapel
On Saturday, 19 July we visited the Ideas Store in Whitechapel to ask the people of Tower Hamlets what their thoughts and ideas were for the Olympic Park after the Games. In total, we spoke to over 200 people about their aspirations for Tower Hamlets and the new Park on their doorstep.
Lots of fun was had, particularly in the children’s area, where we had many budding architects build their homes for the future. A face painter was on hand to reward the hardworking model-makers.
One of the key emerging themes from our time in Tower Hamlets was the concern from locals surrounding the lack of activities available to young people, which many felt contributed to the anti-social behaviour and drug use in the area. A key message from our interactive key priorities board was a need for improved education facilities and housing.
We had all of our bike displays with interactive panels as well as the Olympic Park masterplanning game to get people thinking about how they thought the Park should be laid out and had lots of interesting comments:
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“I would like to have my allotments back. Manor Gardens is the best place for us. More land, cultural centre, children activity, park, pond, fishing place, school for children, gardening schools etc.”
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“Even more green space, low density housing near the Park and some higher density near the edges. Use allotments near wildlife and cafes near parks.”
We also wanted to know if people had any big ideas for the park and here are a selection:
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“A building which symbolises the many nationalities living in London.”
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“Walking along the canals and it feels safe all day and night.”
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“Safe green spaces, where everyone can walk - serenity is the highest priority.”
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“More activities for children and young people - real focus on getting them busy and active and not allowing them to fall into drugs and bad behaviour…and keep them off the streets.”
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“Housing, with balconies that you can sit out on.”
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“That the long term strategy post-Olympics for the Olympic village [Park] is managed with sustainable effectiveness and efficiency.”
The people of Tower Hamlets also told us how the Olympic Legacy can benefit the local area:
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“Reduce flow of motor vehicles through the Whitechapel area to benefit air quality, reduce deaths/injuries and delays in crossing busy roads. Speed up the provision of the leisure and racing cycling circuit in Docklands area to improve our cycling team's Olympics chances, and the general health of residents.”
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“Sense of community by having everything locally: employment, education - especially universities/further education colleges. More practical citizens advice is also needed (eg. financial guidance).”
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“Open up the conservation/ecological area near Eton Park for people as well as horses. Put in new lighting to make the area safer. Use waterways and don’t let them get rundown.”
For more information and photos about our roadshow and masterplanning game, please click here.
