Local residents team up with art collective to create design for future of area

An art collective has teamed up with residents of Roehampton to create a map inspired by memories, aspirations and ideas for the future of their community.

The map, which features drawings and collages of the area, was unveiled on Tuesday, October 9, at Café Joy, in Danebury Avenue – where it remains for anyone to come and take a copy.

It shows areas around Allbrook House and Danebury Avenue that both adults and children want to see changed by creating things like garden/growing areas, introducing cycle paths or painting buildings.

The map was created after Wandsworth Council’s arts team and the public health department at NHS Wandsworth commissioned artists Avant-Gardening to launch a creative community engagement project as part of a multi-million pound improvement project in and around Roehampton town centre.

Over the summer the council consulted with residents at meetings and through telephone and postal surveys to get an initial idea of the kind of improvements and changes residents want to see in the area.

Avant-Gardening was commissioned to give people an additional, more creative, channel through which to express their views over desired improvement work.

Through idea sharing and brainstorming workshops, the art collective saw a clear sense of enthusiasm for both the area and the many things people would like to see happen – from physical changes to community events and activities.

Paul Green, of Avant-Gardening, said: “We found a great willingness to get involved and there is a definite taste for creative activities that bring the community together and which have a community-based outcome.”

The council’s leader, Councillor Ravi Govindia, said: “Our goal is to give residents as many opportunities as possible to have their say on regenerating Roehampton – and I would like to extend my thanks to those who took part.

“But this is just the start and I look forward to continuing the conversation with members of the public.”

Officers at the town hall are currently putting together a report based on the initial consultation over the improvement project, which is due to be published next month.

Find out more about the mprovement project in Roehampton by visiting www.wandsworth.gov.uk/roehampton. Alternatively visit the Western Area Housing Office, in Holybourne Avenue, and speak to a member of staff.