FY volunteered their expertise for the project, and put forward ideas for two separate buildings linked by a shared space that acts as a ‘social street’. Public involvement was key to ensure the project sensitively responds to the diverse needs of the community. Initial research and local consultation identified a need for a new community centre and a base for the Dale Youth Amateur Boxing Club, which was previously housed in the Grenfell Tower. A plot of land known as Bay 20, lying under the A40 Westway flyover, was selected for this new community development.
“The proposal includes a two-storey community building and a one-storey boxing club.“
The community building employs FY’s ‘baggy space’ concept and is effectively a loose space designed to support a range of activities that the local community can adapt to suit their range of needs. The ‘social street’ works similarly, linking the spaces to the wider public life and creating good visual connections to the neighbouring Maxilla Gardens and pedestrian/cycle routes.
THE SCHEME OPENED ITS DOORS TO THE COMMUNITY IN OCTOBER 2018.
“Under the belly of the motorway it has been brought beautifully to life both day and night with people and colour it has not seen for decades. Young amateur boxers cool down in the ‘street’, meeting rooms are busy, women chatter on the sofa in the reception area. A terrace and cantilever over the neighbouring park make that space feel safer and more lively. The project feels and looks successful – itself and for the urban realm all around.“
ISOBELLEPRIESTMAN, RIBAJOURNAL DECEMBER 2018
“The provision of our new world-class contemporary gym, designed by Featherstone Young and delivered through partnerships driven by Galliard Homes, has given us an exceptionally well-designed space on formerly vacant derelict land, providing the impetus and inspiration to shape the lives and improve the health and mental wellbeing of the local community, with a focus on young people from marginalised and socio-economically deprived backgrounds. The legacy will live on for decades.”
GRAHAM GATER, CHAIRMAN, DALE YOUTH BOXING CLUB, SAID: