Our final Locality workshop, let by Lindsey and Chris, was a lively and good humoured discussion about how best to develop the potential at the Long Street School. Building on the previous two sessions, we agreed a dual approach where some of the buildings, principally the main hall, would be best used for commercial functions to generate income. However, other parts would be best developed for community uses and activities, like an ‘urban village hall’ which could assist community engagement. This part would also embrace the heritage centre idea. We also discussed applying for an Awards for All Scheme to get such a ‘village hall’ moving. We retained the nursery idea as a ‘Plan B’ for the main hall.
We covered a lot of detail and how the timeframes for each might work in 2015 and 2016, and the likely timing of the conservation grant scheme.
We set a tentative date for our first meeting of 2016 as January 15th, 5-7pm.
Many thanks to all who have contributed.