kingsdown: reconnecting

THE TEAM: James Knight, Gwilym Humphreys, Alfie Baker, James Fowler

Research Aim: The project aims to empower Kingsdown residents by creating a sense of ownership and agency over shared spaces. Through community engagement and socially driven initiatives, the project address challenges such as neglected spaces, antisocial behaviour, and the disconnection between tenants and the council. By creating a practical framework for organising and funding community projects, our goal is to enable long and short-term improvements, aiding the residents of Kingsdown in their efforts to reclaim their community.

The Clients & Facilitators: Our primary clients are the council tenants of Kingsdown, represented by our project facilitator, Sibusiso Tshabalala, a local council member and tenant advocate.
Collaboration with the Bristol Green Party further supported our efforts to understand and address the issues of the site and needs of the community.

The Brief: The brief evolved from creating an ambitious urban masterplan to a more sensitive, community-centred approach. Based on tenant feedback, our goal shifted to developing actionable solutions for revitalising Kingsdown’s outdoor spaces and equipping residents with the tools to initiate change. Key focus areas included improving safety, addressing disrepair, and fostering trust between the community and the council.

Our Final Proposals included:
-  Creating a resident-led framework that acts as a guide for tenants to organise as a community, identify priority projects, and navigate funding and council communication effectively.

-  Suggesting “easy win” initiatives. Low-cost, high-impact changes like new greenery, seating, and improved lighting to enhance the estate's functionality and aesthetic appeal.

-  Transforming one of the unused garages into a space to hold surgeries with the local housing officers. A successful trial could inspire further developments and see transformation of garages into community spaces, resident businesses, or workshops.

-  Employing safety measures, suggesting active CCTV or security patrols determined by tenant preference, to deter antisocial behaviour and improve feelings of safety.

-  Renovation of neglected areas, resurfacing of play areas, better seating, improving accessibility and illuminating paths for safer nighttime use.

The proposals aim to set a foundation for long-term community empowerment, ensuring Kingsdown thrives as a safe, vibrant, and connected neighbourhood.