More than 500 people have put forward their ideas about how to transform one of Lancaster’s most historic public spaces as part of the ‘Beyond the Castle’ project.
Their suggestions will be featured in a new interactive exhibition called Picture This, which will be held at The Storey CIC in Lancaster, from Thursday 15 to Tuesday 20 November.
Beyond the Castle is a scheme to enhance public spaces around the historic castle and priory, Vicarage Fields and Quay Meadows.
Over recent months, the project has listened to hundreds of ideas about how to improve this area of the city. There is no blueprint for the area – the aim is to develop the site based on people’s views, drawings, stories and othe! r ideas.
The exhibition will allow everyone to interact with what’s on show and add further contributions, opinions and ideas.
Some of the ideas from this creative process, known as co-design, will be on display at the exhibition.
Dr Leon Cruickshank of Lancaster University is the UK project leader of Beyond the Castle.
“We’re delighted by the high level of interest in this project from residents and businesses close to the site, as well as people from across the city,” he said. “There’s a strong feeling that we should be doing something to improve the space, while protecting its integrity and history. We had lots of exciting and different views about the area and its future.
“This co-design approach will result in a shared aspiration and core values for the area to be taken forward. It will also suggest future directions for further work by Lancaster City and Lancashire County Councils.”
Beyond the Castle is an example of close partnership working between the city and county councils. It is led by Lancashire County Council and is supported by a co-design challenge led by Lancaster University through PROUD, an EU INTERREG project. The work is an important element of the Lancaster Square Routes initiative, which is looking to improve streets and spaces across the city centre, being led by Lancaster City Council.
• The exhibition will be open to everyone on Friday 16th November from noon to 6.00pm.
• There will be a residents’ workshop on Saturday 17th November from 10am to noon. The exhibition is open to the public on Saturday afternoon, between 1pm and 6pm, but is closed on Sunday. It’s also open on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th November, from noon to 6.00pm.
• You can follow Beyond the Castle at www.facebook.com/beyondthecastle or on Twitter at @PROUD_Lancaster, or visit www.imagination.lancaster.ac.uk/beyondthecastle