Cycle rickshaws in Portas Pilot bid

Representatives of the business, residential and cultural communities of central St Leonards met on Thursday 22 March to view a draft video developed by local film-maker Glenys Jacques as part of the bid for regeneration funding under the Portas Pilots scheme, writes Richard Hull. UPDATE: See the final version of video part of the bid here.

Project staff from housing association Local Space and from John Thompson Partnerships have been touring the commercial areas of central St Leonards over the past two weeks along with Glenys Jacques who has been filming the area and interviewing a selection of its diverse communities.  The two-hour meeting saw a productive exchange of views and feedback on the video and the accompanying bid to be one of 12 Portas Pilots – town centres with visionary regeneration plans will get a share of the £1 million available, as reported earlier in Hastings Online Times continuing coverage of the community planning for the regeneration of central St Leonards (see here and here).

The video and bid are based around four specific proposals which are still at the draft stage:- a regular market on the forecourt of St Leonards Warrior Square station showcasing the outputs of local creative workers as well as produce from local food producers; a community vegetable garden initiated by the St Leonards Wonky Womens’ Institute and dubbed ‘A Moveable Feast’ as it consists of large but portable growing tubs – they already have tentative agreement for their first site on Western Road; the development of a permanent hub, perhaps in the former United Reform Church, providing spaces for small businesses, cultural and social events, gatherings and information; and finally improvements to the transport links especially with Hastings, with great enthusiasm being shown for the possibility of a fleet of cycle rickshaws.

Included in the constructive and positive feedback on the proposals were suggestions for improved street signage, the development of mobile apps to guide visitors around the area, and the encouragement of street art. The meeting also heard of plans to provide mentors from other successful initiatives such as the Incredible Edible scheme in Todmorden, West Yorkshire and the regeneration of Scarborough through its Town Team. The final bid will be outlined on Wednesday 28 March 7pm at The Magnet, London Road. The next meeting to discuss the broader aspects of the community planning around the seven streets will be on Thursday April 12, 7pm at The Magnet – note that this is one week later than previously advertised.

For further information contact Symon Sentain of Local Space at SymonS@localspace.co.uk

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