Taking a look back at our community engagement to date we have:
- Reached thousands of people across the Leys through online communications and printed communications including; Tenants in Touch newsletter updates, posters and flyers, online engagement and social media
- Held over 26 different engagement events which have had over 600 residents attend in-person or online engagement events
- Spoken to residents across the Leys from pre-school to retired residents
- Held a community fun day in collaboration with local organisations
Community Centre Visit
In January, we had a guided tour by Jessop & Cook Architects of the new Bullingdon Community Centre, where residents were inspired by design features that could fit well in the Leys. People were particularly inspired by the large atrium and the easy access between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Youth Engagement & Councillors Engagement
The project team met with Oxford City Councillors and Blackbird Leys Parish Councillors to speak about the latest updates with the new community centre on Tuesday 23rd January, ahead of the beginning of the demolition process for the old community centre building. The demolition process for the community centre began on Tuesday 23rd January and the old community centre is now fully demolished.
We also had youth engagement with the Friday Youth Sessions where over fifty 11-18 year olds gave their ideas for the new community centre in between their basketball and football activities. There were strong themes around sports, food and a space for young people to meet with friends after school both indoors and outdoors.
Community Fun Day, Community Larder & FriendLeys
We heard from individuals at the Community Larder, and we met with the FriendLeys group to hear thoughts from the older population of the Leys, where themes around accessibility, community activities and safety were spoken.
On Saturday 10th February we held a community fun day, with food provided by Dutch n Such, live music provided by Inspire Sounds and mural painting by artists from MES Creations. It was a fun-filled day where residents had an opportunity to see the latest designs at the Barn, Nightingale Avenue, and speak with project team members to gather feedback. We heard from over 100 people across the engagement inside and outside the Barn as well as at the mural painting. We have had positive feedback around the inclusion of kitchen spaces, large halls, 1:1 community spaces, and spaces to sit, meet and play within the public outdoor space.
We will be hosting an online engagement workshop on Tuesday 6th March 2024. This will be between 12-13:30 and held on Zoom. You can register to join the online workshop by signing up on this link. You can either join by using a laptop, tablet or phone via the internet, or you can join by telephone call after registering. If you have any issues with access, please get in touch with us at [email protected].
We’re looking forward to sharing the latest designs at the next event on Saturday 16th March at the Barn, Nightingale Avenue between 12-3pm.
The final exhibition of the designs before planning will be submitted is planned to be on a weekday afternoon/evening in May with the final date and location TBC. More details to follow shortly.