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, 9th 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
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