The temperature might have dropped outside, but the heat has certainly been turned up on Tottenham Pavilion. Over the start of autumn we have seen the project take shape in greater detail. From a series of more focused co-design workshops to nailing detailed elements for the planning permission process. Here is what we have been up to…

Co-Design Zoom Workshops

Cooler nights and updated social distancing guidelines meant we had to continue our co-design workshops online. While it was a shame not to be onsite, being online offered different advantages. We had a broader range of people attended from Bruce Grove to Haringey Green Lanes. The sessions also had a different tone, with more time to drill down on specific topics. Each workshop followed the same format as those on site – with an introduction to the topic, an open discussion and agreed action points. We’ve received really positive feedback about these sessions, with participants feeling more involved in the project, more connected to likeminded people and excited to start to exploring new skills.

Padlet Ideas & Observations

To help collect the variety of suggestions generated during the co-design workshops, we launched our own ‘Padlet’. If you haven’t come across Padlet.com before, it is a website tool that lets you add a sort of digital post-it note. It’s been a great way for us to keep track of ideas, observations and comments. And, now that we have published it on our website, it’s also a live tool that can continue to collect new suggestions as the project develops. Intrigued – have a browse and add your own thoughts, likes or comments.

 tottenhampavilion.com/co-design

Planning Permission

Behind the scenes there’s been a lot of work happening with winning architects Nine and the TP Team. Self confessed newbies to architecture, Carolina and James have found the process mind boggling – pulling an architectural project together is a mammoth task. Fortunately the winning architects are well versed in the process, along with Joe from TP and the generous time volunteered by Andrew Anderson, a planning consultant with a background in community focussed projects, the newest member of the growing TP team.

A draft Design & Access Statement has been produced and is being reviewed by the owner of the site (Provewell Ltd / Spaces for Creatives) and his planning consultants. If all goes to plan, the planning application for a temporary occupation of the site will be submitted in early November.

Project Plan Launch

The other “behind the scenes” activity has been the creation of a full project plan. Before deciding exactly how the Pavilion would operate we a) wanted to see which design won the competition and b) wanted to hear from local residents what they thought the priorities should be. Over much of October, we have been working through all of the ideas (thanks to the handy Padlet) and shaping the format of Tottenham Pavilion 2021. 

We’re going to be launching this Project Plan on Wednesday 4 November in another online Zoom Meet Up. In the session we’ll explain how the project will be run, how our thinking was shaped by the co-design process and listening to what people think. Evolution is really important and, even though we need to make decisions, there will always be opportunities to influence the project – so if you’re intrigued or keen to share a new perspective, then please reserve a place:

What Happens Next

We’re turning our attention to fundraising. We estimate that we’ll need c.£60,000 to finance the build and all the associated activity. To hit this target we’re planning a crowd funding campaign on SpaceHive, alongside applying direct to various trusts and funders. We have two call outs live – one for a film maker and another for people with fundraising experience. If you have skills in either area check out the links and get in touch.

Film Maker Call Out >>
Fundraising Call Out >>

An updated version of the website will be published later in November and full details of how to support the fundraising campaign will be shared.

A project like this is an up hill task. We’ve still got a lot more climbing to do, but the progress made in recent months has moved us a lot further up. Thanks to everyone for helping us get this far.

We’re happy to hear from anyone and everyone – if you have a question, suggestion or offer of help please drop us a message.