University students generate exciting ideas for the town centre

As part of a recent hackathon (problem-solving) workshop, students from a variety of degree courses, including geography, business, engineering and art and design, were invited by Kingston Council's Place Making Team to come up with ideas to transform different parts of the town centre.

The students developed a number of compelling proposals, including the installation of lights and mosaics in the alleyways down to the riverside, the construction of a community pavilion in Fairfield Recreation Ground, and the greening of Eden Street.

Over the last year, the council has been actively engaging with students, a Citizens’ Panel, local communities, businesses and landowners to better understand their aspirations for the future of Kingston town centre.

A draft vision for the town centre area, which includes a series of ambitious goals and six big ideas to bring them to fruition, has now been published for public consultation. Kingston is always evolving and with the area on the cusp of further changes, a vision and development guidance is needed for the Kingston Town Centre Area to steer new developments and coordinate the delivery of public space and infrastructure improvements.

Working in cross-disciplinary teams, the students excelled at the opportunity to engage in real-world problem solving. At the end of the event a panel of council officers, councillors, and key local stakeholders reviewed the proposals for their creativity, sustainability and viability in response to the challenge. 

Ben Hayward, third year geography student at Kingston University and part of the winning hackathon team, said:

"Our idea was focused around redeveloping the changing rooms in Fairfield Recreation Ground into a pavilion, providing a place for families with children to feel invited, including a new café.

 

"The opportunity to present our ideas, learn more about town planning and get more experience in public speaking was really valuable.”

Councillor Roger Hayes, Kingston Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy and Community Engagement, said:

"It has been fantastic to have this contribution of inspirational ideas from Kingston University students to this important plan for the future of the Kingston Town Centre Area.

 

"We’re keen to hear from all members of the community about what they cherish the most and where improvements can be made to make sure Kingston town centre is a vibrant, attractive and inclusive place for everyone to enjoy.”

The consultation on the draft vision is taking place until 30 April 2023. Share your views online or visit the exhibition, Wednesday to Sunday, in the pilot urban room, Open Frame, in the Market House, in Kingston’s Market Place. This is staffed 10am-1pm every Thursday, when the Market House is open.