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An exciting redesign of the under-5s play space at the Calthorpe Project based on maximising the play and growing potential, using natural play elements, more plants and new play structures.
Sorry this project was unsuccessful, we did not reach our fundraising goal.
Calthorpe Project is a vibrant community centre and garden with different pockets of spaces, each with a unique character and use. The under 5’s play space located outside one wing, is overlooked by a play room and decking space. By introducing more plants and growing activities, and increasing the number of natural play elements and materials, we will have an impact on the development of the children and families who use it. The redesign for the space involved two rounds of consultation with users and looking at experiences of natural play and childcare projects that have introduced natural play elements into their daily activities, such as forest schools. The proposals include rearranging the entrance and ramp access to create more playable space, extend the sheltered area, have larger planting and growing areas, introduce a natural play are and messy zone, have a low-level under-5s play structure and a consolidated buggy area.
What we'll deliver:
Why it's a great idea:
The current play area for under-5s at Calthorpe is underused and this exciting redesign led by users and the community will create a larger play space, with natural play elements and growing spaces for children. The aim is that with the redesign the play space will become a destination for families with small children who live in the area and beyond, who will be able to use the childcare and play facilities and will also use the café and other community facilities at the Calthorpe Project. The other activities at Calthorpe, including the co-working spaces, café, the food growing project are all complementary and the improvement of the play area will fit with the wider strategy of the Calthorpe Project as a space in inner city London building a better environmental and social future.
Steps to get it done:
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Whoop, 50 people have pledged since fundraising began!
Almost 50 days left and almost 50 pledges! Please send the project to your friends and family and help us get to 50 in 50. If you are a regular to The Calthorpe Project you can also help them by filling in their survey: We'd love to know a bit about your experience of the Calthorpe Project. If you've only been once or if you come all the time, tell us if you benefit in any way and how we could improve your experience. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XHLWP5K
Whoop, 40 people have pledged since fundraising began!
The model for the redesign of the play area was presented at Calthorpe's Little Green Fingers creche at the beginning of the week and users approved! Please spread the word for this project among your friends and colleagues - we are aiming for 100 backers by next week in order to get Mayor's matchfunding. Thanks for your support so far!
Whoop, 30 people have pledged since fundraising began!
Whoop, 20 people have pledged since fundraising began!
Whoop, 10 people have pledged since fundraising began!
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How will the money be spent?Total £76,745
Costs Breakdown
This shows how money raised for the project will be spent. These costs have been confirmed by the project's Delivery Manager and verified.
Overfunding
This project is enabled for overfunding. If the project hits its funding goal before the end of the campaign period, any extra funds raised will be spent (in order of priority) on:
Total £76,745
Our Volunteer List
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VolunteerVariant Office LLP is a small London based architecture and planning practice involved in housing and community design projects. We have been collaborating with the Calthorpe Project for over a year now in developing their public spaces, including their play area for under 5s.
The Calthorpe Project is an inner city community garden and centre which exists to improve the physical and emotional well-being of those who live, work or study in Camden and surrounding areas. Our core services include supervised play for children 0-14 and their families; A horticultural volunteering and training programme for people with learning disabilities and mental health issues; Sustainable food growing, vegetarian cafe and waste recycling facility; Sports coaching and training for young people; Community classes and activities with local partner organisations.
People from all cultural and diverse backgrounds participate and enrich our activities. Our volunteer and training programme helps people learn new skills, provides opportunity for social interaction and outdoor exercise. Environmental and food growing sessions encourage and develop awareness of organic methods and composting. Bangladeshi women, older people and families have their own mini allotments encouraging community integration. Our 5-a-side futsal pitch provides programmes to improve health and well-being for young people as well as generating vital revenue from hiring. We provide respite from over crowded housing in our Early Years drop in and weekend play provision for children.
The Calthorpe Project began in the 1980s when Camden, who onwed the land, were preparing to sell the land for offices. Local residents were concerned about the impact on their lives of such a large development on their doorstep and there followed a local campaign which included petitions, lobbying councilors and sending a delegation to Camden Council. The communities efforts were rewarded and in June 1983 Camden allocated money to develop the site for gardens, play space and under fives activities for the residents of Kings Cross. In 1984 the Calthorpe Project became a charity and a company limited by guarantee.
Project Owner: Calthorpe Project The Project Owner takes legal responsibility for receiving and spending the funds raised and ensuring the project is delivered.
