Community Research, Engagement and Project Management for Open Space Development in Tower Hamlets
Between 2015 and 2024 Alice Bigelow and ppre led on the development of several major projects and a number of smaller projects in Parks in Tower Hamlets. These projects have involved a significant element of community engagement and research. The work has included:
- Consultation and engagement with local communities to create a masterplan for King Edward Memorial Park followed by on-going consultation and engagement with local communities to refurbish King Edward Memorial Park.
- Research into open space provision and how this coincides with areas of deprivation in Tower Hamlets.
- Consultation and engagement with local communities to create a development plan for Christ Church Gardens, Spitalfields.
- Collaboration with Public Health officers on development of a number of adult gyms in Tower Hamlets.
- Development of a capital growth programme for Parks in Tower Hamlets, including inclusive play, mitigating Anti Social Behaviour, creating community gardens and developing biodiversity, creating quality neighbourhood parks. Since 2019 work on four playgrounds to improve their safety and inclusion has taken place.
- Consultation and engagement on the future of the former Adventure Playground site at Bartlett Park, followed by implementation of teh palns agreed.
- Collaboration with Public Health officers and Sports and Physical Activity to deliver an activation programme for outdoor gyms and to plan an evaluation of the gyms programme.
- Collaboration with residents’ group on Aberfeldy Estate to create a masterplan for open space in the area.
- Commissioning of a feasibility study on the South Isle of Dogs area.
Public Sector Management
For the last four years ppre has provided interim management for Parks in Tower Hamlets, working with the Parks and Open Spaces Community Engagement Team to develop activities with the local community.
Support for Volunteers
ppre has been providing support for community volunteers, specifically a group of volunteers with learning difficulties for Richmond Park (one of The Royal Parks).