Bowl 'em CLEAR

In 1999 due to lack of effective management and vandalism, Bolam Coyne was proposed for demolition. This was put on hold by an international campaign led by Byker residents and friends.

Since 2000 (despite the dwellings being fenced) considerable damage is occurring through a combination of long term neglect, fly tipping and arson. However, this has encouraged a vibrant population of flora and fauna.

Bowl’em Clear: A proposal

Bowl’em Clear aims to:

Talk with people who live near Bolam Coyne

Arrange a weekend event on 3^rd and 4th February to remove rubbish, trim shrubs and provide and share food at Bolam Coyne

Benefits might include:

Creating discussion about where we live and what we value

Removing rubbish and improving shrubbery

Providing an opportunity to meet people and share food

Bringing a derelict building back into use

Funding is confirmed from The East End Community Development Alliance’s Small Sparks project for the purchase of sacks, gardening equipment, stationary costs, documentation, food and beverages. Vehicle hire is donated.

Jim Foster, the Ward Steward is offering the use of a skip and workers. Additional help from the Street Warden service is being requested.

An assessment of potential risks has been carried out which requires formalising if the project receives support and goes ahead.

If you would like to volunteer and/or receive further information about Bowl’em Up! please telephone:

Andy McDermott on (0191) 224 1050

A Manifesto for Bolam Coyne

Bowl’em Up!

Plan of Intent

Background

A group of people living in Byker is emerging to revitalize and re-inhabit Bolam Coyne.

Bolam Coyne is a distinct building of 17 mixed occupancy dwellings in the architecturally significant Byker Redevelopment. It is close to Raby Cross shopping area, south of Commercial Road.

Its history is chequered. In 1999, due to vandalism and the lack of effective management, Bolam Coyne was proposed for demolition. This was put on hold due to an international campaign led by Byker residents.

Since 2000 despite the dwellings being fenced off, considerable damage has occurred through a combination of arson, fly tipping, the effects of the weather and neglect on the part of the owner, Newcastle City Council.

However, this has encouraged a bourgeoning population of flora and fauna.

As a resident-led led group Bowl’em Up is seeking to:

• Ask residents of the area for their views and values of Bolam Coyne
• Raise capital and resources to work with NCC and other partners to make BC a grassroots model of regeneration
• Develop the buildings and the surrounding landscape in ways that are resourceful and sensitive to people and planet
• Contribute to the area’s social capital, economic tapestry and quality of life
• Create links with Byker Primary School and the Universities to offer BC as a tool for learning
• Build and develop the personal capacity of residents in Byker and in the wider area

An application for seed funding has been placed with the East End Community Alliance to enable a low-key programme of activities with people who live nearby. Additional funding resources are being researched.

Interested individuals for the project so far are:

John Cornhill

Colin Dilks

Natalie Frost

Andy McDermott

Graeme Walker and Maggie Tran

Next Steps

There will be a gathering at 7pm, 9^th January 2006 at 22 Raby Gate for soup and for further discussion.

Meeting with Simon Dunlop, Byker Housing Manager.

Forward this Plan of Intent to Lara Baker, Regeneration Centre, Byker