Estimated Price

£2,000

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Summary

Grant to fund a feasibility study for unused green spaces, with local community at the heart of the decision. Our goal is to create a vibrant, safe, and welcoming environment that benefits both the community and the environment.

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Description

Application for £2000 to cover feasibility study/community engagement for identified unused outdoor spaces in the local community and within Muirhouse Housing Association portfolio.

We are a local Community Anchor organisation that provides an excellent service to our customers.  This is backed up by feedback from our independent surveys carried out by a third party and also by our results in the Annual Return of the Charter (ARC).

We currently support the local community with our Come Dine with Us dinner which tackles head on the cost-of-living challenge which affects so many communities with a free meal, bingo and the chance to meet neighbours.

We anticipate the feasibility study would cover the Muirhouse community and engage with 8 local groups, tenants and members of the community by arranging community meetings, focus groups, surveys and online engagement.

We would arrange an independent consultant to undertake qualitative research with the local community through local groups, survey to be designed following insights from these meetings and focus groups of around circa 500-1000+

Engagement with local school groups and community to determine if these areas would benefit In line with Edinburgh City Council, Education, and Children’s Services Vision:

Our vision is for all children and young people in Edinburgh to enjoy their childhood and fulfil their potential. We believe that children and young people do best when:

•              they are able to live safely and happily within their own families with the right kind of support as needed

•              they attend first class, inclusive schools and early years settings which meet their needs

We will do all we can to strengthen support for families, schools and communities to meet their children’s needs.

The areas to be considered:

•              Lands between 167 Muirhouse Green and 31 Muirhouse Park

•              Playpark area at Muirhouse Green

Funds to support a feasibility study on what we can do with the 2 areas above. The intended outcome of this study gives for potential outdoor learning, outdoor space for activities, safe space/relaxation area, natural green space attracting small birds, bees, insects friendly garden, accessible outdoor spaces with raised planters or fitness and wellbeing.

 

Independent community consultation on use of space, with particular reference to resident’s needs, wants and security of the area too with Muirhouse Housing Association in control of outcome.

 

We would like to increase connections, confidence and opportunity to develop new skills with potential for Tenant/Community Resident Custodians for these areas?

 

Our intended outcome would be an initiative to improve the local area that benefits the environment and local groups. Which allows the Muirhouse community to engage, feel safe, focus on new projects and meet new friends.

Unused spare land developed into a useable space to increase opportunities for local residents. Initiative to improve green space and public realm.

We would promote partnership and collaborative working between local groups and establish a shared vision, define roles and responsibilities with same values to improve local support to residents.  And further demonstrates the long-term commitment to North Edinburgh.

Let's work together to transform unused land into a space that brings people together, fosters new friendships, and provides opportunities for local residents to thrive. Let's make Muirhouse a better place for everyone.