Oakfield Terrace
Participatory design process
Role: Process design, co-ordinator of design process, co-facilitator
Participatory planning and design of Oakfield Terrace, phase 3 of Homebaked CLT high street regeneration.
With Homebaked CLT board, Catherine Simmons, Tim Jeeves and URBED Architects
The participatory design process for a scheme to transform 9 disused terraces into a highly innovative energy-efficient mixed-use scheme, offering quality homes at affordable rent and community spaces. The terrace was emptied under the pathfinder scheme and earmarked for demolition. Homebaked CLT has since it’s inception had plans to regenerate the entire block, which they call ‘Oakfield Terrace’.
A ‘Core design group’ of approximately 20 local stakeholders (a diverse group of CLT members and other local representatives) worked closely with the architects and other experts to co-create the scheme. The planning and design work happened in a series of workshops that include educational elements so that every participant can comfortably make design suggestions and informed decisions. Information on projected budgets and any other external factors was made available so the group could negotiate and prioritise. Critical decisions were made in the Core Design Group and then presented for feedback to the CLT board and to the wider public in a consultation process.
The CLT took over one of the terraces and created the downstairs into a project space that would allow participants to imagine in 3D.
In this scheme's planning and development process, the CLT has held 16 planning workshops and engaged with around 900 people through public events, drop-ins and surveys.