Make CIC to transform vacant building in historic Hamilton Square in to hub for arts, culture & creativity; and revive a community garden.
Project is forecast to produce £1,600,000 of social impact for Wirral.
This summer, Make CIC is set to start work transforming a largely vacant building in Hamilton Square in to a destination for the arts, culture and creative entrepreneurs. It will be a hive of activity which will also include a community garden and urban farm; in addition to a cafe, creative studios and meeting space offer.
To be named Make Hamilton Square, this creative hub will provide opportunities for the local community and visitors alike. People will be able to take part in a diverse offer including events, classes and opportunities to learn skills and crafts.
The biggest transformation will take place outside, with the revival of the currently neglected “millennium garden” in to a community garden space, just off Hamilton Square. Plans include a small urban farm with raised beds for growing vegetables; well-being space for sitting, reading, and meeting people; and an outdoor courtyard for the cafe in the day and events at night.
Later this month Make Hamilton Square will launch a £5,000 crowdfunding campaign for support with the initial set-up costs of reviving the garden. The campaign #MakeHamiltonGrow will seek support to build planters, seats and even bee-hives with the aim of creating an urban green oasis open to everyone. There will be opportunities for people to help by rolling up their sleeves, learn skills and get involved over the summer.
Local organisations are working with Make Hamilton Square to ensure new opportunities around creative entrepreneurship, craft, making and STEM skills are accessible to local residents through educational workshops, hosted in the hub. This is paired with Wirral Council’s ambition for greater footfall through expanding the leisure and cultural offer in the area and the legacy of Wirral’s year as borough of culture.
A social impact forecast has been conducted on the project by First Ark which found that the project has the opportunity to create £1.6 million of social impact for Wirral over the next five years. This focuses on creating opportunities and improving well-being of those involved.
Read More about our plans reported by LBN and The Echo.
