Community open-mic day a resounding success

The day was kicked off by Tom Greenall from DSDHA, the consultants writing the masterplan, who explained what they hoped to achieve and how the plan will fit into the planning system and could form the basis of a Neighbourhood Plan – a new idea contained in the Localism Act. Richard Ambler from Lambeth’s transportation department outlined the council’s plan for the Cambria Road. As the host, Hannah Lewis of the Remakery explained how the project in a disused carpark underneath a council block was being transformed into a place where makers and artists could upcycle and remake items out of recycled materials. Councillor Leanne Targett-Parker and Councillor Matt Parr spoke and stayed to talk.

Other participants included Rob Lindsay from the Whirled Cinema and Whirled Art; Terance Smith from Involve2Evolve; Dennis Fabrizi from the Thorlands Estate; Grace Lally from the Loughborough Estate Tenants and Residents Association (LETRA); Cynthia Roomes from Building Communities in Coldharbour, Tori Sherwin from the Myatt’s Fields Project, Brad Carroll from Brixton Green, Sue Bell from Reduce the Stress of Money and Uzonna Uwalake from the Milkwood Residents’ Association.

A delicious hot lunch prepared by LJAG’s Angela Akinyemi was much appreciated. Anthea Masey, LJAG’s co-Chair said: “The day was a great success and we at LJAG really enjoyed it. It was wonderful to hear about everyone’s projects and I know that it has helped the masterplanners gain a better understanding of our neighbourhood and how passionately we all feel about it.”