New Practice
Experts in place working across the UK, Ireland and internationally.
the big lunch june 2016-76.jpg

Sighthill

 

Sighthill

Creative engagement programme to build the brief and capacity for an outdoor community space as part of the ongoing regeneration of Sighthill

Sighthill is a residential neighbourhood directly north of Glasgow City Centre - a 1960’s scheme originally made up of ten twenty-storey tower blocks looming large against the skyline, and in the psyche of the city.  

Sighthill is currently undergoing regeneration that is extensive both in scope and in duration.

The side of a residential tower in front of a blue sky.
 
 
An adult and two children at a table, painting on to cardboard.

We were commissioned by Glasgow Housing Association to work with the existing residents to build capacity for the delivery of an outdoor space - a community garden - that had been pledged as part of the regeneration process.

 
 

Despite its proximity to the city centre, Sighthill is isolated geographically. The M8 motorway directly to the south of the neighbourhood acts as a physical barrier to the rest of the city.

Decades of dwindling occupancy rates, entrenched stigma perpetuated by local media, and the reality of living alongside extensive demolition and physical upheaval further compounded this sense of isolation on a social level.

In the background, a crane is working on the demolition of a residential tower. The foreground shows a path with security fencing on each side.
 
 
An aerial photograph of a community garden, with rows of planters in the centre.

In beginning our work with the residents of Sighthill our first objective was to reconnect them with their city.

 
 

We invited residents to spend time with us, visiting examples of community gardens across Glasgow, meeting the people who run them, and getting their hands dirty.

As well as showing what might be possible for their own community garden, this was a way of growing the confidence and network of the community group.

 
 
An area of grass, with a corner marked in purple spray paint.
Three people working with measuring tape and spray paint to mark lines on a grass area.

Our next step was to make the size and location of the proposed garden tangible.

Using spray chalks and measuring tapes, together we marked out the size of the garden, planters and furniture.

 
 
 

Our work with the community focused upon building capacity for the future community garden - ensuring the sustainability of the project by making sure that it wouldn't solely rely on outside investment or input to guarantee its continued use.

As our work progressed, and the reality of the garden came into focus for the residents, questions began to come up about whether this was actually something the community wanted to take on at this point. In order to access the funding required, the residents would need to form a constituted group.

Marking out the 20 x 20 metre space earmarked for the garden had been eye opening for the residents - was this what Sighthill needed midway through the redevelopment process?

A group of people inspecting a pavilion structure within a community garden.
 
 

Conversations began to turn towards what the community needed then and there.

Residents looking to use the existing community centre were currently put off by the costs involved. Each paper cup used cost money. The act of gathering as a community incurred costs that, as minor as they might seem to larger organisations, were prohibitive.

 

Our focus turned to equipping the community with the tools and skills needed to allow the community to gather, both now and in the future as they welcome new residents to the area.

Working with local school children and a nearby ceramics studio, a set of crockery was made to replace the cups at the community centre. We ran workshops to make planters that could be moved around the area, as accessible space grew. A digital skills workshop focussed on managing an online community space where residents could share resources and publicise events.

We negotiated with the contractor on site to secure materials for outdoor working and live build workshops, things like marquees that could be kept by the community to be re-used for gatherings and special occasions.

A hand-painted bowl, illustrated with red flowers.
A group of young people and an adult placing plants into boxes.
 

Sighthill’s Big Lunch

Sighthill's Big Lunch was held on Sunday 12th June 2016. It was a fun-filled, family afternoon, free to attend and open to everyone. It was a well attended event, attracting families, friends and neighbours from Sighthill and beyond. As well as delicious food from The Real Junk Food Project Glasgow and Milk Cafe and dance displays by A & M Scotland, there were stallholders representing creative and educational organisations from across Glasgow.

 
 

  • Client: Glasgow Housing Association, Wheatley Group

  • Location: Glasgow, Scotland

  • Completion: 2016

  • Collaborators: Community Links Scotland