Summary: this page offers some starter suggestions on how the Culture Mile BID might practically realise its commitment to collaboration, maximise benefits to residents as well as businesses and visitors, and minimise potential conflicts. A neighbourhood forum could be a starting point.
“Collaboration sits at the heart of the BID model. Understanding the value that each member of our community can contribute to projects is vital. We want to harness the potential of all the communities that make up the Culture Mile area, unlocking new opportunities for all”.
Issues and ideas for BID development
Ideas are based on the above research into current proposals; my past work on partnership, participation and community media; recent work Exploring EC1 and developing proposals for a community hub.
The BID board might consider implementing these sort of ideas directly, or supporting a neighbourhood forum in doing so, if that is established.
Summary of issues and ideas
Overall development. Will residents have a voice in strategy, or just on specific projects?
Relation to other development plans. There’s agreement on the need for a cultural strategy for the area taking in major developments. Shouldn’t the BID strategy relate to that?
Appreciating assets. Community asset mapping leading to development of an area profile or guide would provide the basis for collaboration.
Community hub and platform. There’s scope for linking BID information and communication needs with ideas for a community hub.
More ideas workshops with residents. Simple drop-in sessions have already produced a lot of ideas.
A neighbourhood forum. This could have formal representation, and also act as a vehicle for other activities.
A public forum online. We need somewhere to share ideas and discuss development.
Exploratory walks. Why not bring people together to explore the area.
Network mapping. Network maps, linked to walks and geographic maps, could show relationships of issues, ideas, people and organisations,
Overall development approach
The key governance and engagement issue in my mind is whether residents will have a voice in the overall development of BID strategy, or just as-and-when the BID board decides to consult on projects.
There is so far no other strategy for the area covering these issues. At a recent City Court meeting policy chief Chris Hayward agreed with councillor Mark Bostock that one was needed, but not in advance of decisions about London Wall West. See video clip here.
Shouldn’t the BID development strategy relate to some overall strategy - again with provision for resident involvement?
Appreciating all the assets in the area
The note on Commitment to Our Communities in the strategy - above - says“Understanding the value that each member of our community can contribute to projects is vital. We want to harness the potential of all the communities that make up the Culture Mile area, unlocking new opportunities for all”.
One way to achieve that would be to undertake some community asset mapping leading to development of a community profile or resource guide. Undertaking that collaboratively with both residents and businesses would be an excellent way to develop relationships. There are many well-tried approaches, and the initial mapping work on Exploring EC1 could be useful.
Blog posts and briefing pages
Issues and ideas for BID development
Summary of issues and ideas