Shaping the future through open conversations
Helen Graham 9:00pm Saturday 14th October 2017 Six of us gathered for the night walk, slightly concerned that it was a race weekend and the town might be full of unavoidable drunkenness. In the event the over-riding feeling was of emptiness – public spaces were generally quiet and under-used. It didn’t feel particularly dangerous and where people … Read more
14th October 2017 Five of us undertook to Look at York, spending time in a variety of the city’s public spaces and trying to work out what was going on. To set the scene for our walk we looked at the Project for Public Spaces Power of 10: ‘The idea behind this concept is that … Read more
In the fourth and final of our Challenges events we looked at ownership and values. In the My Castle Gateway draft brief the following was expressed: People want to be able to: Shop at independent shops or visit independent cafes or restaurants Develop small and independent businesses Not have to spend money – a place … Read more
In the third of our challenge events we looked at movement. In the My Castle Gateway draft brief the following was expressed: People would like to be able to: Come together at a new public space that connects Clifford’s Tower, the Eye of York and Tower Gardens: for events, protests and commemorations Understand and explore … Read more
By Phil Bixby Having done a large number of different public events – guided walkabouts in day and night, meetings, photography walks and events with local partners – we frequently get asked “how is this going to affect what actually happens?” Firstly, the Open draft brief we produced – which drew out the themes from … Read more
Last Tuesday we had our My Castle Gateway Challenges: Living Well with Water event. The aim was to look closely at the Living Well With Water section of the draft brief on this theme are work out areas for development. The flickr album of the event tells the story of the issues. As does our … Read more
As part of the My Castle Gateway process we have invited people to contribute in any way they’d like, from adding a post it on a walk or social media post through to recording a You Tube video. This also extends – for those that like writing – to contributing a blog to our website. … Read more
By Phil Bixby and Helen Graham Last Saturday – as part of the Looking at Your City walk – we spoke to people spending time in various parts of York. We explored a variety of different types of public spaces in York – Museum Gardens, St Helen’s Square, St Sampson’s Square, Shambles Market food court … Read more
By Susan Major In Step 2 My Castle Gateway process we’re seeking to address key challenges that arise from our Draft Brief. The aim is to understand the issues better so we can refine the brief and openly address disagreements and tensions. Below is a blog by Susan Major who took part in our Public … Read more
By Gareth Wilce, Senior Communications Manager for Economy and Place, City of York Council Two brave groups of York residents stayed up past their bed-time one Wednesday in August for possibly the most different event of this very different approach to public engagement. For those of you who don’t know, My Castle Gateway … Read more