Fenham is an economically deprived and diverse community with less amenities and quality green space than nearby Heaton, Jesmond and Gosforth. Fenham Pocket Park (FPP) outside Fenham Pool held successful all-community events in 24/7 fully accessible well-maintained green pubic space from 2016. The pool closed in 2019 and is unused. Adjacent Fenham Library had investment and became a hub for local community groups and public health services. FPP was extended outside the library in 2001 but grand plans were hampered by COVID delays and rising materials costs. We need to reinvigorate FPP and the green space outside the library, engaging the community to take ownership of the development.

What we'll deliver:

• Clearing of debris and unmaintained/unsafe foliage from outside the library and swimming pool
• Community intervention to engage the general public to reimagine Fenham futures
• Construct planters from robust, flexible and reusable materials
• Planting of trees, edibles and flowers to green the area
• Landscaping materials used to create a well-maintained, safe and accessible green space

Why it's a great idea:

Our project will put Fenham on the map, creating visible, green landmarks to make local people proud. Community engagement is key - all outcomes from the project will be driven by and ran by the general public and local community groups. Fenham Pocket Park is proof of the success of such projects - it was conceived by and driven by the same process that we are undertaking now - it has driven huge benefits for local residents and this will build on that success. Key outcomes include: - Decarbonisation through planting of trees - Biodiversification - designed planting programme - Community cohesion linking and building new community groups - Food production and culinary skills development - working with Men's Pie Club, FoodNewcastle and Newcastle Food School - Post-COVID regeneration improving the public realm and involving former-vulnerable people linking with PROPS Family Recovery Service and Newcastle Treatment and Recovery (NTaR) - Attract new library service users

Steps to get it done:

• Community planning event
• Community intervention and event
• Clearing of debris and unmaintained/unsafe foliage from outside the library and pool
• Construction of planters/beds
• Planting of trees, edibles and flowers
• Landscaping

Fenham has the potential to compete with thriving Newcastle suburban hubs - Newcastle is overprovided in green space but often of poorer quality and unevenly distributed. FPP resulted from a research project with local people who identified the area outside Fenham library and pool as underused and uninviting, with potential as a community green space next to several local schools, shops and businesses and a GP Surgery. Following successful development, the Friends of FPP, a 100% voluntary community group has a proven record of maintaining the park to a high standard and holding community events. For FPP to deliver on its potential, we need to further bring together community stakeholders and build momentum to achieve our joint vision for a socially inclusive health and wellbeing hub in the heart of Fenham.