There are several large empty railway arches, owned by Spacia, adjacent to the site of the community garden with each arch providing 185 sq. metres of unused space. By exploring various possibilities to develop these spaces the project committee hope that they can be developed in such a way that they will provide additional resources for the local community.

A range of ideas for the arches have been identified through a combination of community consultation, ideas put forward by the management committee and partner organisations.  Each idea is assessed in terms of feasibility, sustainability and its ability to satisfy the needs and aspirations of the community and the economic, social and environmental impact any potential development will have on the local community.

It is suggested that the arches will be used for different purposes with each catering for a different section or need within the community. Some options being considered include an after schools club, a community cafe, a supervised youth facility, an educational and training facility, a sports/recreational centre, a space for arts and crafts projects including a graffiti wall, a shared community facility which could be used by community groups, the local police, and neighbourhood wardens, an office space which could also be used for meetings, conferences and presentation events, a facility for promoting recycling and sustainabile energy and possibly storage space.

It is hoped that the arches would be designed with an element of multi use and adaptability. For example if  a potential youth arch was  being used during early eveings and at weekends for activities, it could be used during the day for educational and training purposes.

Sustainability is crucial to the success of any potential future development of the archways and to this end the committee are working to put together a comprehensive, realistic, feasible business plan by involving as many partner organisations as possible in regard toany potential design and use of the arches.

To assist this process further the project committee have met locally with a representative from Spacia to discuss any potential for our project  securing a long term 25 year lease for the arches and explore options for the possible development of the arches. Issues discussed included options for rent, tenancy agreements, liability, insurance, planning, types of appropriate construction work that could be allowed in the arches and possibly site visits to similar developments elsewhere. Although no firm decisions can be made by Spacia at the moment the meeting was seen as a positive move forward and this dialogue with Spacia will continue as the project progresses. Spacia: www.spacia.co.uk

After conducting several local consultations regarding the possible uses for the arches the committee  commissioned a consultant to conduct a feasibility study (see consultation page for details). The outcome of this study will be included in a business plan being finalised by the committee. It is hoped that this will be submitted to potential funders during 2010.