Football, a tented city and making builders happy

13 October 2011

Football, a tented city and making builders happy - all these have been elements of the public engagement arts programme from artists' Davis and Jones for Junction 3 - a new mixed-use development in Bristol.

Schoolchildren from Millpond Primary School and a team from construction workers, Leadbitter Group, were among those who enjoyed a fierce but friendly afternoon of football on the 30th September.  Along with other local groups and workers from the contractor, Leadbitter Group, Millpond Primary is taking part in a range of activities connected with the development.  These events are designed to engage and build a relationship with the local community, to raise awareness of the resources that will be available in the new development, to celebrate the area’s diversity and heritage and to promote a sense of ownership and civic pride. Construction workers benefitted earlier this year from hats knitted for them by local people as part of the ‘Make a Builder Happy’ initiative. In 2010, the community was intrigued and involved through the Tented City installation which saw the site taken over by tents for a night.

Willis Newson is working with Davis and Jones to manage the programme. When complete in summer 2012, Junction 3 will house a learning and resource centre, re-home an existing library and provide facilities for a local charity as well as providing housing and spaces for office and community use.  It is a partnership initiative between Bristol City Council, Knightstone Housing Association and the Big Lottery Community Libraries Programme.  Find out more at www.junction3.wordpress.com